The Council’s Trading Standards team has led a major enforcement operation on the city's High Street, seizing thousands of pounds of illegal products from shops, vehicles and storage sites.
Working alongside Essex Police and supported by specialist detection dogs, officers recovered a large haul of illicit cigarettes, tobacco, vapes and counterfeit toys.
The operation uncovered a network of retailers using vehicles and nearby residential addresses to conceal illegal stock. Two vehicles acting as mobile delivery units were seized after evidence showed they were supplying shops and customers with illicit goods. Both vehicles have since been crushed.
Trading Standards officers also removed a significant number of unsafe toys, including popular Labubu and Pop Mart dolls, which failed to meet UK safety standards and are suspected counterfeits. These items will be destroyed.
In total, the goods seized are valued at around £45,000, a serious blow to legitimate businesses trading fairly in the city. Enforcement action is now under way and could include fines, closure orders or criminal prosecution.
Cllr Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, said: "Southend-on-Sea City Council will not tolerate illegal trading that puts public safety at risk and undermines honest local businesses.
"Our Trading Standards team works tirelessly to protect residents and ensure retailers meet their legal obligations. The seizure and destruction of these dangerous goods shows that commitment in action."
More information is available on our dedicated Trading Standards pages.