Dyfed-Powys Police and immigration officers have raided six businesses across Carmarthenshire, seizing thousands of illegal cigarettes, large amounts of tobacco and vapes, and two vehicles. Several arrests were made during the operation on October 22 in Llanelli, Carmarthen and Ammanford.
Arrests and Seizures
A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of trademark-related offences and has been released on bail pending further enquiries. Immigration officers also arrested three people: two men on suspicion of breaching immigration bail, both released on bail pending further enquiries, and a woman on suspicion of overstaying her visa.
Concerns were raised about three of the premises, where notices of potential liability for the suspected employment of illegal workers were served. Each premise could face a penalty of up to £60,000.
Enforcement Actions
Environmental enforcement officers served a number of prohibition notices, and a flat above one premises was deemed unfit for human habitation by the fire service.
The activity formed part of Operation Machinize, the ongoing NCA-coordinated project to tackle money laundering and criminal use of cash-intensive high street businesses.
Police Comment
Sergeant Tom Grace of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “This operation took a great amount of planning and co-ordinating and I’d like to thank everyone involved.
“The effort from every team has helped to protect vulnerable people and stopped thousands of potentially harmful products being sold. Illegal trading can put unregulated products into the hands of young people and affect the genuine businesses in our community.
“We’ll continue to work with partners to stop illegal trading in Carmarthenshire and support Trading Standards as they move forward with their investigations.”
