Six arrested as Beds Police seize drugs and £25k in cash as part of crackdown on high street businesses involved in crime

The arrests were made as part of Operation Machinize, a national operation coordinated by the National Crime Agency (NCA) to tackle money laundering and the criminal use of cash-intensive businesses.

Warrants were carried out at several businesses across the county during October, resulting in six arrests on suspicion of offences including money laundering, drug offences and immigration offences.

In Luton, two men were arrested at a shop on suspicion of money laundering and multiple Class A and Class B drug offences. Officers seized more than £8,000 in cash, while counterfeit perfume and toys were also recovered.

Both men have since been released on bail with conditions while police enquiries continue.

A separate warrant at a shop in Bedford, carried out in partnership with Bedford Borough Council Trading Standards, resulted in more than £17,000 in cash being seized.

Officers also recovered more than 500 counterfeit items, including fake perfume and illegal vape products.

In Leighton Buzzard, a man was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

Police seized his uninsured vehicle and suspected cannabis found inside. He was subsequently charged with driving with excess drugs, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

He was also bailed for the drugs supply offence while enquiries continue.

Inspector Matthew Stonnell said: “Organised crime has no place on our high streets, and we remain committed to taking proactive action against those who exploit our communities for criminal gain.

“Profits from counterfeit goods and money laundering fuel further criminality, causing significant harm to our communities and undermining legitimate businesses.”

He added: “Operations like this are vital in disrupting this criminal activity, as well providing valuable opportunities to gather and develop intelligence to support sustained enforcement against those responsible.

“We will continue working closely with our partners, local businesses and communities to identify, disrupt and dismantle organised crime networks operating on our high streets.”

Police are urging anyone with information about suspicious activity, including potential money laundering or the sale of counterfeit goods, to report it online at beds.police.uk/ro/report.

Information can also be passed on anonymously through Crimestoppers at crimestoppers-uk.org.