Tens of thousands of illicit cigarettes have been seized during a major police operation targeting money laundering and organised crime in Swindon.
Five shops were visited on Friday 9 October as part of Operation Machinize, a National Crime Agency-led crackdown on criminal activity linked to high street businesses.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that 89,205 tobacco sticks, with an estimated retail value of £74,721.40, were seized alongside approximately £2,000 in suspected criminal cash.
Wiltshire 999s joined officers at Krakow Polski Sklep, while four other businesses were also visited, including VIP Vape in Manchester Road.
The operation involved Wiltshire Police officers, supported by Trading Standards and Immigration Enforcement.
Officers carried out searches with the assistance of Rio, a Belgian Malinois tobacco detection dog, and his handler Shane Curnow, from SW K9 Detectives.
Immigration checks were also conducted at the premises, but no issues were identified with the workers’ legal status.
The force confirmed that criminal investigations under the Proceeds of Crime Act had commenced against offenders identified during the operation.
Detective Inspector Steve Edwards, head of the Economic Crime Unit at Wiltshire Police, explained that Swindon was one of several towns being targeted as part of a wider effort to tackle money laundering.
He said the problem extended across Wiltshire and the rest of the country, with organised criminal groups exploiting high street businesses to disguise the proceeds of crime and generate further income.
The detective indicated that the public could expect to see further enforcement activity over the coming weeks as police continued their crackdown.
He also stressed that tackling the problem would require a sustained response from police and partner agencies, rather than a series of isolated raids.
Information from members of the public plays an important role in identifying potentially suspicious businesses, including premises where unusual activity or unexplained wealth may be apparent.
Anyone with concerns about suspected criminal activity at high street businesses is encouraged to contact Wiltshire Police or Crimestoppers.
