Camberwell Shop Forced to Close Following Undercover Sting Operation
Southwark Council has successfully obtained a court order to shut down a shop in Camberwell for three months after it was repeatedly caught selling illegal tobacco and counterfeit vapes. The closure, granted by Croydon Magistrates' Court on April 15, 2026, comes after a thorough investigation that included six undercover visits by council officers.
Children Sold Fake Cigarettes in Shocking Incidents
During the covert operations, officers documented two particularly alarming cases where children were sold fake cigarettes for just £5 per pack. These incidents highlighted the shop's blatant disregard for both the law and public health, targeting vulnerable young consumers with dangerous counterfeit products.
Massive Haul of Illegal Products Seized
Council inspectors conducted three separate raids on the premises, resulting in the seizure of substantial quantities of illicit goods. The confiscated items included:
- Over 32,000 illegal cigarettes
- 490 illicit vapes
- 43 shisha packs
Many of these products were cleverly concealed throughout the shop, requiring the assistance of specialist tobacco detection dogs to uncover the hidden contraband.
Court Rejects Landlord's Opposition to Closure
Despite opposition from the shop's landlord, Croydon Magistrates' Court ruled that there was clear and compelling evidence of ongoing illegal activity at the Camberwell Church Street location. The court determined that closing the premises was necessary to prevent the continuation of these unlawful practices, granting the three-month closure order under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The shop will remain shuttered until July 15, 2026, providing a significant disruption to the illegal trade that had been operating from the premises. Southwark Council's decisive action demonstrates their commitment to cracking down on businesses that flout tobacco and vaping regulations while endangering public health, particularly that of young people in the community.
