50,000 illegal cigarettes seized, shops closed and arrests made during immigration crime operation

Officers working under Operation Azelea, a proactive force-wide operation lead by Beat Teams with support from community partners, have seized over 50,000 illegal cigarettes and arrested several people.

Between Monday 8th December and Friday 12th December, officers working under Operation Azelea targeting the sale of illegal vapes and cigarettes at retailers across the county well as those committing immigration offences through the exploitation of vulnerable people.

Lead by Neighbourhood Beat Teams across Cheshire’s nine Local Policing Units, officers were also joined by Constabulary Foreign National Offender and Protecting Vulnerable People Exploitation teams as well as colleagues from Trading Standards, HMRC and Immigration.

Over 50 premises were visited across the region and searched by officers and their partner colleagues, four of which are now set to be prosecuted for the sale of duty free and illicit cigarettes.

Approximately 50,000 illicit cigarettes were seized by the team and, on top of this, four people were arrested in connection to immigration and fraud offences.

Two immediate closures have also been enforced against retailers in the Western and Northern areas of the county and, following a number of enquiries, officers and their colleagues are now looking to seek closure orders at a further three retailers.

Alongside this proactive work, high-visibility and plain-clothed patrols across the region, officers engaged with members of the public regarding ongoing issues in their areas and provided safeguarding advice in relation to topical issues such as the usage of ketamine amongst young people.

Assistant Chief Constable Carlos Brunes said:

“Our officers work hard to root out organised criminals operating in our shops, high streets and communities and today’s operation demonstrates just some of the work that we do 365 days a year to keep the people of Cheshire safe.

“Whilst the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal cigarettes and vapes may seem like a trivial crime to some, oftentimes, officers find that where these offences are being committed, immigration offences and the exploitation of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities are occurring.

“Those involved in such activities often have links to drug trafficking and distribution, organised immigration crime, modern slavery and human trafficking, which is why we are committed to running regular operations such as this and doing all we can to identify those involved.

“I hope that the results from this operation will provide some reassurance to our communities and also act as a warning to those who are considering taking part in this type of activity.”

Anyone with concerns about organised immigration crime can contact Cheshire Police via 101 or visit: 

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/