More than 300 individuals have been apprehended in a large-scale crackdown on organized crime, resulting in the confiscation of drugs, cigarettes, and various goods by law enforcement, along with the seizure of £1 million in cash.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council reported that out of the 362 arrests made in the five-day operation, 57 were migrants who had recently entered the UK by crossing the Channel on boats.
During the nationwide operation conducted from June 15 to June 20, over £1 million in cash was seized, along with illegal tobacco, vapes, and cigarettes valued at more than £700,000. Additionally, authorities confiscated 92 cars, 31 e-bikes, and drugs worth around £131,000.
The focus of the operations was on combating organized immigration crime at various establishments such as barber shops, vape shops, car washes, food production sites, and nail salons, which are often targeted by criminal groups for concealing illegal activities, exploiting vulnerable migrants, and laundering illicit proceeds.
Involving 39 police forces nationwide and agencies like the Home Office, Immigration Enforcement, and Trading Standards, the collaborative effort aimed to disrupt businesses engaged in money laundering, drug trafficking, modern slavery, and human trafficking on high streets.
DCC Wendy Gunney, leading the organized immigration crime domestic taskforce, emphasized the joint effort’s success in targeting illicit activities within communities and holding offenders accountable, signaling a strong stance against exploitation and illegal trade.
Efforts are underway to consider imposing civil penalties on business owners involved in illegal practices and employing migrants through unauthorized means, as part of the ongoing crackdown on organized immigration crime.
Minister for border security and asylum, Alex Norris, praised the coordinated approach between law enforcement agencies and partners in combating organized immigration crime, highlighting the increased focus on addressing illegal activities and returning individuals not entitled to remain in the country.
