Hemel businesses raided as illicit tobacco, illegal vapes and more than £13k seized across Herts

Dozens of officers from the constabulary’s Operational Support Group, Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Hertfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards and Government immigration officers visited retailers and business premises around the county. The visits were carried out to ensure the businesses were operating in accordance with the law, and check for illegal and counterfeit products, money laundering, drugs and immigration offences.

Twenty-four premises in Borehamwood, Hemel Hempstead, Hatfield, Hoddesdon, Watford and St Albans were visited during October, with more than 15 kilograms of illicit tobacco products and 524 illegal vapes, worth more than £13,000 in total being seized.

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. By working with the National Crime Agency, the police and partner organisations, we are helping to crack down on criminal activity, remove illicit products from sale and protect local communities from harm.

“Our Trading Standards team can offer practical advice and support to any trader who needs help understanding their legal obligations.”

Chief Inspector Stuart Bence, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime and Intel team, said: “These operations were carried out as part of Operation Machinize, the ongoing National Crime Agency coordinated action to tackle money laundering and criminal use of cash-intensive high street businesses. Organised Criminals Gangs often use businesses to launder money obtained through drug dealing and other illegal activities, exploiting vulnerable people and selling low quality, counterfeit or contraband goods.

“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. This activity funds organised crime and violence, distributing harmful products and posing a risk to the young and vulnerable.”

You can report information about crime online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.