Brent and Harrow's joint trading standards team recovered more than £1.7 million from the proceeds of crime over the past year, including over £650,000 from two illegal property conversions. The team conducted 612 investigations targeting traders involved in the highest levels of criminality, according to an annual report presented to the Trading Standards Joint Advisory Board on June 30.
Illegal tobacco sales a major problem
More than 68,300 cigarettes, 3.6kg of rolling tobacco, and significant quantities of paan and shisha tobacco were seized during inspections across the two boroughs. Brent Council's Senior Regulatory Service Manager, Anu Prashar, described illegal tobacco sales as "a major problem" in the area. Businesses including butchers, coffee bean roasters, and hairdressers were found selling these products.
Inspectors used sniffer dogs to uncover illegal tobacco hidden in wheelie bins, behind walls, and inside fridges and freezers. The products are illegally imported and lack proper health warnings, with some items like oral tobacco being completely banned in the UK, Ms Prashar explained.
Investigations and enforcement actions
Between April 2025 and April 2026, the team received over 4,000 service requests, leading to 384 investigations in Brent and 228 in Harrow. Nine confiscation orders totalled just over £1.7 million, with the council retaining approximately 12.5 per cent. Ms Prashar highlighted an intelligence-led approach using a triage system to focus on complaints causing the most harm or loss of income, as well as traders carrying out the highest amount of criminality.
Fifty-seven businesses—30 in Brent and 27 in Harrow—were inspected with support from police and HMRC. Test purchases occurred at 11 businesses, with two leading to further tests. Five cases concluded in court, resulting in combined fines of £10,200 and costs of £8,200. Penalties for selling illegal tobacco range from written warnings to prosecution.
Broader enforcement and community protection
Beyond tobacco, the team tackled product safety, scams, and doorstep crime. In one case, the team prevented an estimated £20,000 loss to a trader by advising on correct labelling for imported travel cots and strollers after being alerted by Suffolk ports. A £133,500 order was secured for crime incidents and roof repairs on behalf of Islington Trading Standards. Ms Prashar noted a "big surge" in complaints about locksmiths, largely over unclear billing and overcharging.
Test purchasing for age-restricted products showed 90.48 per cent of businesses refusing sales to children. However, two businesses were prosecuted for selling nicotine inhaling products to minors, resulting in fines of £2,200. In total, 33 test purchases in Brent led to five sales, while 51 in Harrow led to three sales.
