Fake vodka found selling at off-licience in Forest Gate

Counterfeit vodka and cigarettes have been sized from licence premises in Forest Gate in a London-wide police operation over the weekend.

The massive crack-down saw 330 cadets deployed on test purchase operations when 5,487 licensed and unlicensed venues, such as pubs, off-licences, cafes, shops, fast food outlets, entertainment venues. In total 829 offences were reported or disclosed. Operation Condor has resulted in 320 arrests.

At the un-named premises in Forest Gate 1,000 fake cigarettes and 50 litres of counterfeit vodka were discovered. Police enquiries are continuing.

Over the two days large quantities of cannabis, alcohol, cigarettes, DVDs, watches, phone cards, gaming machines and 86 vehicles were seized.

Commander Mak Chishty, leading the operation, said Operation Condor will continue to target those who flout licensing laws.

“Licensing laws are there for good reason, breaking them is not acceptable and is illegal. Those who break the laws harm our communities by selling knives, harmful substances or alcohol to young people will be targeted,” he added.