Operation Machinize, a national initiative targeting organised criminal gangs, has resulted in seizures of illicit tobacco and vapes in Hertfordshire. Officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire County Council's Trading Standards, and government immigration officers visited retailers and business premises across the county to ensure they were operating in accordance with the law.
During October, 24 premises in Borehamwood, Hemel Hempstead, Hatfield, Hoddesdon, Watford and St Albans were visited. More than 15 kilograms of illicit tobacco products and 524 illegal vapes, worth more than £13,000 in total, were seized.
Partnership Working Against Criminal Activity
Councillor Ajanta Hilton, executive member for public health and community safety at Hertfordshire County Council, said: "Criminals often seek to hide the proceeds of crime through seemingly legitimate businesses, which is why operations like this are so important." She added that working with the National Crime Agency, the police and partner organisations helps "crack down on criminal activity, remove illicit products from sale and protect local communities from harm."
Chief Inspector Stuart Bence, from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Crime and Intel team, said: "We have worked with our partners in Trading Standards to ensure high street businesses are not involved in criminal activities, such as selling counterfeit products, drug dealing, handling stolen goods and exploiting workers." He noted that this activity "funds organised crime and violence, distributing harmful products and posing a risk to the young and vulnerable."
Surrey Raids Follow Similar Pattern
The Hertfordshire activity follows Operation Machinize raids in Surrey last month, with Trading Standards officers seizing a range of products. Locations targeted included Elmbridge, Epsom, Guildford, Reigate, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking. Seized items included illicit cigarette sticks, HRT, niche tobacco, vapes, liquids and counterfeit goods, with a total value of £55,500.
Agencies involved alongside Trading Standards included Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Surrey Police and Home Office Immigration Enforcement. Kevin Deanus, Surrey County Council cabinet member for fire and rescue and resilience, said: "We are here to protect our residents from harm, and we take that responsibility incredibly seriously." He thanked the Trading Standards team for their "invaluable work in keeping residents safe."
Government Response to Illicit Trade
Following the raids, the first secretary of state Louise Haigh told the BBC that shops involved in offences such as money laundering, illegal working and organised crime are a "blight on our high street." Haigh said: "Because it's been ignored, that kind of crime has been allowed to thrive and take root in our communities," adding that a "serious priority" of prime minister Andy Burnham was to crack down on these illicit businesses and put pride back in local places.
