Three vans and two trailers were inspected on Parr Road where 200kg of meat was seized along with 400 packs of cigarettes and 8 litres of alcohol
A significant amount of illegally imported goods including meat, cigarettes, alcohol was uncovered on Saturday morning (8 February) following a joint operation with the council’s environmental health team and police.
Following complaints about driveways and pavements being blocked, officers inspected three vans – two with trailers –on Parr Road, Stanmore. The vehicles were waiting to unload and pick up goods to be taken abroad. 200kg of illegally imported meat were seized along with 400 packs of cigarettes. 8 litres of alcohol were surrendered by one driver.
Cllr Pritesh Patel, Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets and Public Protection said:
“We’re continuing to crackdown on illegal imports that put public health at risk and make it unfair on businesses operating legally. I’d like to thank officers and our partners for the work carried out in this operation.
“It’s the job of our officers to ensure public safety and that food operators and traders are complying with the law. We will continue to work with our partners to keep Harrow safe and take the necessary actions on such activities.”
Officers will continue to monitor this activity and have warned those involved. The seized goods have now been destroyed.
The council will continue to work with agencies including the Police, Food Standard Agency, Trading Standards and Border Controls to identify and restrict illegal imports into the UK food chain.