A trained sniffer dog has helped officers uncover illicit alcohol and thousands of mix-branded cigarettes at two off-licences in Waltham Forest. 

'Indie' helped trading standards and HR Revenue & Customs officers discover dozens of vodka bottles bearing fake duty stamps and 12,000 tax-evaded cigarettes from under a shop counter and locked away in a store room during the operation on September 19.

Waltham Forest Council are currently pursuing enforcement action against the shop in Chingford and Leytonstone.  

It was revealed earlier this year that counterfeit alcohol being sold in Waltham Forest could contain deadly chemicals including bleach, screen wash and cleaning products.

Anyone who suspects they have bought fake goods or alcohol and tobacco on which the appropriate duty has not been paid should report the matter to Waltham Forest Trading Standards on 0208 496 3000 or by emailing tradingstandards@walthamforest.gov.uk