Three men have been arrested and 50,000 illicit cigarettes have been seized as part of a crackdown on the illicit tobacco trade and immigration in Chester.
Last week, Operation Dockyard saw officers from Cheshire Police and Trading Standards execute warrants at three shops and two residential addresses, all believed to be linked to the sale of illicit tobacco.
Three stores on Brook Street, a residential address on Walter Street and an address on Glebe Meadows, Mickle Trafford, were all found in possession of illegal cigarettes, illicit tobacco and counterfeit vapes, reported Cheshire Police.
In total, officers recovered 50,000 illicit cigarettes, and a large quantity of illegal tobacco and vapes. Three vehicles were also seized, along with a Rolex watch, a quantity of cash and a police style baton.
Two men, aged 40 and 43, were arrested on suspicion of money laundering, while a third man was detained for immigration offences.
The two men arrested for money laundering have since been released on bail pending further enquiries, reported the police.
Detective Sergeant Paul Huxley, of the Western Exploitation Team, said: “While many businesses across Cheshire West are operating within the law, there are a brazen few who believe they can get away with breaking the law. But as demonstrated with this operation, we will not stand for that.
“We and our wider community partners work very hard around the clock to make our Cheshire communities a hostile environment for anyone who is looking to distribute and buy these illegal products.
“I hope this operation highlights to members of the public the volume of work that goes into keeping our residents safe from those who are intent on causing risk and harm to our communities.”
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