South London shop loses licence over dodgy ‘Viagra’ and illegal vapes

The Nunhead business was also caught with £20 bags of ‘herbal cannabis’ and cans of nitrous oxide gas

A Southwark shop caught selling counterfeit cigarettes and dodgy erectile dysfunction tablets has had its licence revoked. Police seized the goods from Nunhead Express along with £20 bags of supposed herbal cannabis and 100 large cans of nitrous oxide gas, which are often misused with balloons as a recreational drug.

A covert test had previously found counterfeit Marlboro Touch cigarettes available for £5 a pack, prompting several inspections of the Kirkwood Road unit. These also uncovered over 1,000 illegal single-use vapes, fake Labubu dolls, and Polish lager with foreign and incorrect labelling.

Southwark Council made the revocation decision on June 2 following unanimous agreement from the Licensing Sub-Committee. The panel said it had no confidence in the trader’s ability to operate the premises responsibly.

The case of Nunhead Express is now subject to an appeal that is to be heard by the Magistrates. The operator’s licence will remain in place until the decision is either confirmed or overturned.

Councillor David Watson, executive member for community safety and engagement said: “We’re determined to make Southwark safer by taking tough action against crime. Genuine, hardworking local retailers in our communities are undermined by the sale of fake, illegal and unsafe products – it is vital that we protect our local businesses as well as consumers by taking action where necessary.

“This is another great result for our Trading Standards team. It shows Southwark Council will stand-up for legitimate businesses and safer high streets, and we will protect our neighbourhoods.”

Nunhead Express was previously known as Nisa. It’s understood the franchise was terminated due to the issues found at the premises.