Multiple people have been arrested and thousands of illegal cigarettes seized across Carmarthenshire following a crackdown led by Dyfed Powys Police.

The multi-agency operation took place across Carmarthenshire on Thursday, October 22, where teams carried out simultaneous visits to six separate businesses in Llanelli, Carmarthen, and Ammanford.

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.

A multi-agency operation in Carmarthenshire has resulted in the seizure of thousands of illegal cigarettes and the arrest of several people
A multi-agency operation in Carmarthenshire has resulted in the seizure of thousands of illegal cigarettes and the arrest of several people (DPP)

Thousands of illegal cigarettes, large amounts of tobacco and vapes, and two vehicles were seized across the operation. A 44-year-old man was arrested for trademark related offences. They’ve been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Immigration officers also arrested three people and raised concerns for three of the premises. Two men were arrested on suspicion on breaching immigration bail. They were released on bail pending further enquiries. A woman was arrested on suspicion of overstaying their visa.

A multi-agency operation in Carmarthenshire has resulted in the seizure of thousands of illegal cigarettes and the arrest of several people
A multi-agency operation in Carmarthenshire has resulted in the seizure of thousands of illegal cigarettes and the arrest of several people (DPP)

Notices of potential liability for the suspected employment of illegal workers were served on all three properties. These penalties could reach up to £60k per premise (£180k total).

In addition to the notices, Environmental Enforcement officers served a number of prohibition notices and a flat above one premises was deemed unfit for human habitation by the Fire and Rescue Service.

Sgt 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.

A multi-agency operation in Carmarthenshire has resulted in the seizure of thousands of illegal cigarettes and the arrest of several people
A multi-agency operation in Carmarthenshire has resulted in the seizure of thousands of illegal cigarettes and the arrest of several people (DPP)

“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,” he added.