£70,000 Worth of Fake Cigarettes and Booze Seized in Swindon Crackdown
Wiltshire Police have smashed a major organised crime ring in Swindon’s Broadgreen area. Two men were arrested, and authorities seized over £70,000 of counterfeit cigarettes, tobacco, and alcohol in a sting operation on Tuesday, 10 June.
Coordinated Raid Snatches Thousands of Counterfeit Products
The raid targeted two retail shops and a nearby home, involving a joint effort by:
- Swindon Central South Neighbourhood Policing Team
- Swindon Borough Council’s Trading Standards
- HMRC
- UK Immigration Enforcement
- South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU)
Police recovered:
- Thousands of illicit cigarette packs
- Unlicensed tobacco and alcohol supplies
- A large sum of cash
- A vehicle linked to the operation
Two men aged 28 and 29 were arrested on suspicion of money laundering and offences under the Trade Marks Act.
Crackdown Part of ‘Brighter Broadgreen’ Crime Initiative
The bust is part of the ‘Brighter Broadgreen’ project aiming to reduce crime and improve life in the neighbourhood.
Sergeant 1 of Wiltshire Police warned:
“This is organised crime, and by buying these products, people are funding criminals linked to trafficking and exploitation. We’ll keep working with partners to disrupt these networks.”
Detective Sergeant Adrian Bray from SWROCU added:
“This operation highlights the power of coordinated intelligence. Counterfeit goods fuel other serious crimes like modern slavery and drug trafficking. We’re determined to stop them.”
Police Urge Public to Report Suspicious Activity
Authorities are calling on residents to report any sales of counterfeit or untaxed goods. You can help bring down hidden criminal networks that thrive in our communities.
- Call Wiltshire Police on 101
- Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111
