Class A drugs, fake firearms and illegal alcohol seized during 'Operation Fearless' raid in Birmingham
Officers from West Midlands Police's 'Op Fearless' team secured another good result as two premises were raided as part of a nationwide campaign.
The team carried out warrants at addresses in Digbeth, Birmingham after reports of illegal money-laundering happening in the area.
A large amount of suspected Class A drugs were seized, with four people arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.
In addition, three imitation firearms and 20 bottles of illegally imported alcohol were seized.
The operation was carried out by Op Fearless officers in support of 'Op Machinize,' which is a National Crime Agency-led series of operations targeting financial crime and money laundering involving cash-centred businesses.
Chief Inspector John Askew, who oversaw the operation, said: "This was an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected money laundering in Birmingham.
"Often we see organised crime groups use cash-only businesses as a way of filtering through the proceeds of crime in a way which appears legitimate.
"This can include money made from drug dealing, extortion and human trafficking.
"While the majority of cash-only businesses are entirely legitimate, it is important people stop and think for a second when using their services and consider whether there is anything suspicious about what is going on.
"Thanks to reports from the public and information we receive, we're able to build a clearer picture of where and when this type of activity occurs, which helps us take decisive action sooner."
Cash-intensive businesses such as barbershops, vape shops, nail bars, American-themed sweet shops and car washes are sometimes used by criminals to conceal the origins of illicit cash.
Crime gangs use them to enter cash into the financial system, mixing legitimate funds with criminal profits to hinder subsequent law enforcement investigations.
They are known to buy such businesses using the proceeds of crime, which provides them with a legitimate income and opportunities for money laundering.
