Illegal tobacco and cash seized in Swindon warrants
Five premises searched as part of a national operation targeting money laundering
Police have seized suspected criminal cash and nearly 90,000 sticks of illegal tobacco after carrying out warrants at five premises in Swindon.
Wiltshire Police carried out the warrants on Friday as part of Operation Machinize.
The ongoing operation is coordinated by the National Crime Agency and aims to tackle money laundering and the criminal use of cash-intensive high street businesses.
Wiltshire Police worked with Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards and other specialist agencies.
The premises included high street shops and residential properties.
Approximately £2,000 in suspected criminal cash was seized.
The nearly 90,000 sticks of illicit tobacco have an estimated retail value of £74,700.
Criminal investigations under the Proceeds of Crime Act have also been launched, based on evidence found during the operation.
Officers and support agencies were searching for controlled drugs, illicit cash and items such as unregulated goods, tobacco or vapes, which help to support serious organised crime.
They were also looking for offences under the Immigration Act.
Police comment
Detective Inspector Steve Edwards, Head of Wiltshire Police's Economic Crime Unit and Digital Investigations and Intelligence Unit, said: "This is a long-term sustained operation to dismantle organised crime that's operating on our high streets.
"We know that organised criminal gangs use premises on our high streets, such as barber shops, vape shops, and mini markets, which sit alongside legitimate businesses.
"These are used to launder criminal proceeds, fund serious and organised crime activities, and employ illegal workers. This has a big impact on the whole community. This is a really sustained problem and it needs a sustained response from police and partners."
How to report concerns
The operation uses information from people living locally, as well as a range of other sources, to build a picture of potential criminality that can be acted upon.
Members of the public can report concerns by calling 101 or through the Wiltshire Police website.
Information can also be left anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
In an emergency, always call 999.