In a significant crackdown on organised crime, police officers have carried out coordinated raids at two properties in Birmingham, leading to the seizure of a shotgun, multiple imitation firearms, suspected Class A drugs, and a stash of illegally imported alcohol.
Raids Uncover Arsenal and Contraband
The operation, conducted by the West Midlands Police’s Operation Fearless team, targeted a business premises and a nearby flat in the Digbeth area. Officers were forced to cut into a doorway at a unit advertised as offering 'health, massage and reflexology' services.
Inside, they discovered an alarming cache of items. A shotgun, three imitation firearms, and 20 bottles of illegally imported Smirnoff vodka were confiscated from the business. The operation then moved to a residential flat close by, where police found and seized multiple bags of what is believed to be Class A drugs.
Nationwide Crackdown on High Street Crime
These raids were not isolated incidents. They formed a crucial part of Operation Machinize, a wider nationwide campaign spearheaded by the National Crime Agency. This initiative has seen police forces across the UK, along with partner agencies, target 'high street crime' and the cash-intensive businesses often exploited by criminal networks.
Across the West Midlands region alone, the campaign has yielded substantial results. As part of the operation, which involved every UK police force, officers have conducted numerous warrants and proactive operations.
Key outcomes from the wider campaign include:
- More than 150 business premises visited, including barber shops, nail bars and car washes.
- 11 arrests for offences including sexual assault, money laundering, drug offences and managing a brothel.
- The seizure of thousands of pounds in cash and goods believed to be the proceeds of crime.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
As a direct result of the Digbeth raids, four people were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply controlled substances. The investigation remains active as officers work to dismantle the organised crime groups operating in the area.
The success of this operation highlights the continued focus on businesses that handle large amounts of cash, which are frequently used to launder illegal profits. The collaborative effort involved agencies such as the Regional Organised Crime Unit, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, HM Revenue and Customs, and Companies House.
