11,800 cigarettes and three kilos of hand rolling tobacco have been seized after they were found in two purpose built concealments in an independent store in Crayford. 

The discovery was made by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), supported by Bexley Trading Standards, on Wednesday November 5.

The first concealment was found under the shop counter, access to which was hidden under a box of mints.

A latch was released using a screw driver through a small hole, opening a hidden compartment full of cigarettes and tobacco - 3,000 cigarettes and one kilo of hand rolling tobacco.

A second hidden concealment was later found in the roof space in a rear storeroom. By removing a fixed ceiling tile a further 8,800 cigarettes and two kilos of hand rolling tobacco were revealed.

The revenue loss of the goods, which were all seized, is around £3,000.

No arrests have currently been made. Investigations continue.  

Spokeswoman for HMRC Jennie Kendall said: "The sale of illegal tobacco will not be tolerated. Disrupting criminal trade is at the heart of our strategy to clampdown on the illicit tobacco market, which costs the UK around £2 billion a year. 

"This is theft from the taxpayer and undermines legitimate traders. 

"We encourage anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000."