Key Points
- A shop on Trafalgar Road, Royal Borough of Greenwich, was discovered hiding hundreds of illegal counterfeit cigarette packets.
- The Metropolitan Police and Royal Borough of Greenwich made the discovery on Sunday, November 2, 2025.
- A police detection dog found a secret hideaway accessed via a sliding panel and remote-controlled shelf descent.
- Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, cabinet member for community safety and enforcement, stated strong measures against counterfeit tobacco sales.
- The shop had previously been found hiding illegal tobacco products in June 2025 with electronically operated magnetic locks.
- Further investigations and potential prosecution of the retailer will be undertaken by the council.
What Was Discovered in the Greenwich Trafalgar Road Shop?
On Sunday, November 2, 2025, a collaborative operation between the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the Metropolitan Police led to the discovery of a secret hideaway filled with hundreds of illegal counterfeit cigarette packets inside a shop located on Trafalgar Road. The discovery was made after a police detection dog indicated the presence of concealed items.
According to official reports, the illicit cigarettes were hidden behind a sophisticated concealment system. The hideaway was accessed through a sliding panel that could be opened using a remote control, which allowed a shelf to descend and reveal the illegal products.
Who Oversaw the Investigation and What Has Been Said?
Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, cabinet member for community safety and enforcement for the Royal Borough of Greenwich, publicly condemned the possession and sale of counterfeit tobacco products. As reported by local authorities, she stated:
“Retailers cannot get away with possessing and selling counterfeit tobacco products. These not only damage the health of our residents but also undermine the legitimate businesses in our borough.”
Ms Taggart-Ryan emphasised the severity with which the council is treating these violations:
“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.”
What Is the History of This Shop Regarding Illegal Tobacco?
This shop’s involvement in the illegal tobacco trade was not an isolated incident. It was previously found concealing illegal tobacco products in June 2025 through a similar elaborate concealment system. At that time, electronically operated magnetic locks were used to hide their illicit stock, indicating a persistent and deliberate attempt to evade regulations.
Following the latest discovery in November, the Royal Borough of Greenwich plans to carry out further investigations and enforcement actions, including the possibility of prosecuting the retailer responsible.
How Does This Impact the Community and Local Businesses?
The sale and possession of counterfeit tobacco products have multiple negative effects. From a public health perspective, these products often bypass safety regulations, posing increased health risks to consumers. Furthermore, the illicit trade undermines legitimate businesses that comply with trading standards, creating unfair competition and economic harm in the borough.
The local council, represented by Ms Taggart-Ryan, has affirmed its commitment to safeguarding the community by targeting such illegal activities. The enforcement efforts aim to ensure that residents not only are protected from harmful products but also feel safer in their community environment.
What Are the Next Steps Following This Discovery?
The Royal Borough of Greenwich confirmed that comprehensive investigations and enforcement measures will continue following the latest discovery. This includes potential legal prosecution of the retailer operating the Trafalgar Road shop.
The collaborative approach between local government and law enforcement demonstrates a strong stance against counterfeit tobacco. By disrupting these illegal operations, authorities seek to uphold trading standards and public safety in Greenwich.
