A CRACKDOWN on Coventry shops which fund organised crime through the sale of illicit goods has seen three people arrested.
West Midlands Police’s Serious Organised Crime and Exploitation team visited high street stores in Coundon, Foleshill and Barras Green, alongside its dog unit and drones team.
After an alert from police dog Lucky, officers were able to seize over 140 bags of Class B drugs from a store, and two men were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.
A man was also arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.
Meanwhile, officers from Coventry Council Trading Standards seized hundreds of counterfeit goods, illegal tobacco and vapes.
Trading Standards will review all the seizures and apply for closure orders on the offending stores.
Sgt Kelly Eaves from West Midlands Police’s exploitation team, said: “The illegal sale of counterfeit cigarettes, vapes, and other goods is not harmless or low-level crime.
“It undermines honest, independent businesses that are operating in accordance with the law and is often linked to wider organised criminality including the exploitation of vulnerable people, violence and anti-social behaviour.
“Our priority is keeping the people of Coventry safe and supporting the local businesses that do the right thing every day.
“We will continue working closely with partners including Trading Standards to target those involved in this illegal activity and take action against the shops facilitating it.”
Coun John McNicholas, Coventry City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, welcomed the arrests and seizures.
He said: “This is really positive news, and highlights the excellent partnership work with our police colleagues.
“A lot of time and effort goes into these operations with Trading Standards involvement, and the close working makes a massive difference.
“This is an important warning to any traders who believe they can avoid criminal action when selling illicit products – we will help the police in their efforts to counter these illegal activities.
“We would like to appeal to the public and ask them to avoid these illegal traders and go to legitimate retailers.
“Anyone can report businesses involved in criminal activities by contacting either the police on 101 or trading standards.”
Call police on 101 or visit www.coventry.gov.uk/business-licensing to report stores selling illegal goods or illicit substances.
