A fly-pitcher trying their luck in Barking has had thousands of illegal cigarettes seized after she tried to sell them to plain clothed enforcement officers.



The woman, who was trying to sell the illegal cigarettes and tobacco, was caught in Barking Town Centre on Wednesday 6 July.



Barking and Dagenham Council enforcement officers seized a total of 2,300 mixed brands including Marlboro, Lambert & Butler, Benson & Hedges and illicit and counterfeit tobacco, 800g (16 x 50g) hand-rolling tobacco purporting to be Golden Virginia.



Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “Not only was this woman selling illicit products, but she was also selling them illegally, without a licence and unfortunately was so brazen to try to offer them to our own enforcement officers.



“I’d like to thank the officers for getting these dodgy cigarettes off the streets and keeping our residents safe.”



At the time of the seizure, the woman gave false details, so officers will now be keeping an eye out for her in the market with aim of issuing her an ASBO, which will stop her from trading in Barking and Dagenham.



Selling illegal cigarettes can carry a maximum penalty of unlimited fines and 10 years imprisonment.