Four people were arrested after police, immigration officers and partner agencies targeted six businesses across Llanelli, Carmarthen and Ammanford.
The visits took place on Thursday 22 October as part of Operation Machinize. This is an ongoing project coordinated by the National Crime Agency (NCA) to tackle money laundering and the criminal use of cash-intensive high street businesses.
What was seized
According to Dyfed-Powys Police, the following were recovered across the operation:
- Thousands of illegal cigarettes
- Large quantities of tobacco and vapes
- Two vehicles
The arrests
A man aged 44 was held on suspicion of trademark-related offences. When the force shared details of the operation, it said he had been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Immigration officers made three further arrests. Two men were detained on suspicion of breaching immigration bail and were later bailed pending further enquiries. A woman was also arrested on suspicion of overstaying her visa.
Notices served
Immigration officers raised concerns about three of the premises. Each was handed a notice of potential liability over the suspected employment of illegal workers, and each could face a penalty of up to £60,000.
Environmental enforcement officers also issued a number of prohibition notices. A flat above one of the businesses was assessed by the fire service and declared unfit for human habitation.
What police said
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.”
