A detection dog working with the Royal Borough of Greenwich has helped uncover hundreds of packets of illegal cigarettes hidden inside a secret compartment at a shop on Trafalgar Road.
The discovery was made on Sunday, 2 November, during a joint operation between the council and the Metropolitan Police. Officers located a sophisticated concealment system behind a wall panel, accessed through a sliding section and controlled remotely. Inside, they found a large stash of counterfeit cigarettes.
Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, said the council is taking firm action against businesses attempting to evade the law.
“Retailers cannot get away with possessing and selling counterfeit tobacco products,” she said. “These not only damage the health of our residents but also undermine legitimate businesses in our borough. We are coming down hard on retailers who think they can bypass trading standards regulations, to ensure everyone in Greenwich is safer, and feels safer.”
This is not the first time the shop has been caught storing illicit goods. In June 2025, officers seized a significant quantity of illegal tobacco from another hidden compartment, this time operated using electronic magnetic locks.
The council has confirmed that further investigations are underway, and enforcement action — including a possible prosecution — is being considered.
Residents with information about the sale of illegal tobacco or vaping products are urged to contact the council’s trading standards team on 020 8921 8157 or email tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
Those wishing to report concerns anonymously can do so via the London Trading Standards website.
DLR extension to Thamesmead
Bexley Barbershop Project Wins Innovation Champion at Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards
Incident on Peartree Way
Final splash for leisure centre
Your next bus will be a double-decker
