Crooks suffered a blow after customs and police officers carried out a raid which seized thousands of litres of illicit booze.

More than 5,000 litres of counterfeit beer, 14.7 litres of spirits and 473 litres of wine were found at a shop in Mollison Way, Edgware on Monday, January 20.

Such was the haul that a 42 tonne articulated lorry was required to transport all the seized alcohol after the operation, in which Harrow's trading standards team joined forces with Harrow Police and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Harrow Police borough commander Simon Ovens said: "I am extremely pleased with the outcome of this outstanding piece of partnership work, between my Neighbourhood Policing Teams, HMRC and Trading Standards.

“This operation was based on information received by members of the public and it demonstrates that my officers will use every available option to pursue those who break the law, in our efforts to make Harrow the Safest Borough in London."

The smuggled booze equates to approximately £8,000 in inland taxes that could have been dodged as a result. The HMRC claim that illicit alcohol costs the taxpayer around £1billion a year.

Tory leader of Harrow Council Susan Hall said: “These pictures may look like something from the prohibition era, but they show the huge market for smuggled alcohol in the UK.

"While people may understandably be tempted by a bargain, this isn’t fair on those shops in who play by the rules.

"If it needs an articulated truck to clear the amount seized from just a couple of shops in one town centre, that gives you an idea of the scale of the problem."

The goods also included 2.5kgs of chewing tobacco.

Andrew Sackey, assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, said: “We have active and effective teams operating across London to deter and disrupt those dealing in illicit alcohol and tobacco.

"We will seize the goods and people involved may face criminal prosecution. This illegal trade has a devastating effect on legitimate retailers, who have to compete with black market traders.

“We appeal to local people and businesses to join us in the fight against crime and encourage anyone with information on illegally imported goods, or tax evasion and fraud, to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.”

No arrests have been made, but the alcohol has been disposed of.

Investigations are ongoing.