The owner of a shop in Dagenham where illegal cigarettes were found hidden has been fined thousands of pounds.

It comes after trading standards officers conducted visits at M&C Gospodina Market Ltd trading as Gospodina Europe Market in Rainham Road South. 

On two separate occasions on November 29, 2023, and March 21 this year, the illegal tobacco was discovered with the help of detection dogs. 

The first of the fine installment payments are due on December 3The illegal cigarettes were found by detection dogs (Image: Barking & Dagenham Council) According to Barking and Dagenham Council, 1,980 cigarettes were found in various concealments in the possession of Ciprian Marius Constantin. 

READ MORE: Horror week in London as stabbings and shootings leave multiple injured

At Barkingside Magistrates Court on November 19, Constantin, of Philip Avenue, Romford, was fined a total of £2,056.01 and M&C Gospodina Market was fined £3,208.01.

Cllr Syed Ghani, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: "This is an example of the council’s ongoing efforts to combat the sale of illicit tobacco which we take very seriously in Barking and Dagenham.

"I hope the fine is a warning to others.”