Waltham Forest council has won an appeal against its decision to revoke the licence of a shop caught selling counterfeit cigarettes and knock-off “Viagra-style” sex pills.

Asya Food Centre, in St James Street, Walthamstow, was stripped of its licence in January this year after a raid by the local authority’s Trading Standards team in September 2016.

During the search of the premises, council officers using sniffer dogs uncovered 2,440 illegal cigarettes, two kilos of rolling tobacco and a stash of tablets claimed to treat erectile dysfunction.

An employee at the store told officers the cigarettes were for his personal use but admitted he also sold them to customers.

At a review hearing in January, Waltham Forest council licensing committee members took the decision to revoke shop owner Uygar Altun’s licence.

However, the Mr Altun later appealed against the decision to Thames Magistrates Court.

The businessman then chose to withdraw his appeal and pay £1,000 in costs to the council at a court appearance on Friday, June 9.

As a result, Asya Food Centre is no longer permitted to sell alcohol.

Deputy council leader, Clyde Loakes, said: “This case sends a clear message to anyone who thinks they can trade illegally in Waltham Forest.

“We will catch you, we will prosecute you, you will be heavily fined and lose your license. Don’t risk it, stay within the law and you’ll have nothing to worry about.”