A 28-year-old man has been arrested after police found suspected illegal vape liquid containing Class B drugs at a high street business in the Chippenham area.
Wiltshire Police carried out warrants and visits at a high street store and several residential addresses on Monday, 19th October, as part of Operation Machinize, a national initiative targeting criminal activity linked to high street businesses.
The operation is led by the National Crime Agency and involves police working with the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards and other specialist agencies.
The man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. He has since been questioned and released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.
Detective Inspector Steve Edwards, head of Wiltshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit and Digital Investigations and Intelligence Unit, said: “ This long-term, sustained initiative aims to disrupt and dismantle organised criminal networks operating within our high street business community.
“We are aware that organised crime groups use retail stores, including vape shops, mini markets, and barber shops, right alongside legitimate retail traders.
"These locations can serve as fronts to launder illegal profits, finance serious organised criminal activity, and facilitate unlawful employment.
“Because this ongoing issue deeply affects the entire community, it demands a continuous, coordinated response from police and our partner agencies.”
Earlier this month, warrants were carried out at five locations in Swindon as part of the same operation. Officers seized around £2,000 in suspected criminal cash and nearly 90,000 sticks of illicit tobacco, with an estimated retail value of £74,700.
Wiltshire Police said investigations under the Proceeds of Crime Act had also been launched following evidence recovered during the Swindon operation.
Police are asking anyone with information about suspected criminal activity in their community to report it by calling 101 or through the Wiltshire Police website. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Anyone in an emergency should call 999.
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