A total of 47 premises were visited during the operation

County police say raids have taken place on vape shops, barbers, and nail salons across the region.

West Mercia Police said the the efforts, which were led by the National Crime Agency, were dubbed ‘Operation Machinize’, and aimed to tackle money laundering and the criminal use of cash-intensive high street businesses.

Premises such as barbershops, vape shops, mini marts, nail salons and other cash-intensive businesses across Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire were visited throughout October.

Some of the items recovered during the raids. | Picture: West Mercia Police

placeholder image — Some of the items recovered during the raids. | Picture: West Mercia Police

A total of 47 searches were conducted, resulting in seven arrests and a cash seizure of £1,500.

Officers said that in addition, Trading Standards confiscated approximately £25,000 of illicit goods and roughly £5,000 worth of counterfeit goods.

Officers also seized a quantity of Class B drugs and two imitation firearms.

The operation was a collaborative effort involving Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and HMRC.

Detective Sergeant Rachel O’Brien, from West Mercia Police’s Economic Crime Team, said: “Officers worked collaboratively with multiple agencies to target criminal networks operating on our high streets.

“Through targeted disruption and visible policing, we successfully removed illicit goods, seized cash linked to crime and arrested those suspected enabling this activity on the high street.

“Operation Machinize seeks to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks operating in our towns, and we urge anyone with information about illegal activity to report it to the police.”

West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “These results show the value of targeted action against serious and organised crime and our determination to protect our communities from the harm it causes.

“The overwhelming majority of shops in West Mercia are legitimate businesses at the heart of local communities. However, where premises are being used to facilitate criminal activity, we will work with partners to take robust action.

“Together, we are making it clear that those involved in crime cannot operate with impunity and will face the full weight of the law.”