West Midland Police have arrested suspected drug dealers and seized thousands of pounds worth of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco as part of a major crackdown on High Street businesses across the region.
As reported on Monday (May 18), the enforcement activity, carried out under Operation Stance by West Midlands Police alongside Trading Standards, HMRC and immigration officers, is targeting shops suspected of links to organised crime, anti-social behaviour and violence.
Recent raids across the region uncovered illegal cigarettes, suspected drugs and counterfeit goods, with several arrests made in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Stourbridge and Coventry.
In Birmingham’s Ladypool Road, three men were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply nitrous oxide after officers found the substance behind the counter of a shop. Police also discovered keys to a nearby van which allegedly contained evidence of nitrous oxide use.
In Wolverhampton city centre, officers raided a shop where a 17-year-old boy was reportedly found alone behind the counter. Thousands of suspected counterfeit cigarettes were allegedly hidden inside barbecue set boxes, while officers also recovered sweets believed to be laced with cannabis or CBD.
Meanwhile, in Sandwell, six people were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs following warrants executed at two shops and a flat on Cradley High Street, alongside further action in Oldbury.
Police also seized several black bin bags filled with suspected illegal vapes in Stourbridge, while in Coventry officers recovered more than 140 bags of cannabis and arrested three men during searches of shops across the city.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Parsons, who is overseeing the operation, said, “People should be under no illusion – this is not low-level, victimless crime.
“We know that shops that sell illegal cigarettes, vapes and other counterfeit goods are often linked to serious organised crime including exploitation of vulnerable people, as well as violence and anti-social behaviour. We will continue to work with partners such as Trading Standards to bring those involved in this criminality to justice, and to shut down the shops involved in this illegal trade.”
Birmingham City Council also stressed the wider community impact of illicit High Street activity.
Sajeela Naseer, the council’s director of regulation and enforcement, said illegal mini-mart style shops were causing “significant harm” to local communities through the sale of unsafe goods and alleged links to organised crime.
“Through Operation Stance, we are working closely with West Midlands Police and other agencies to take robust enforcement action, remove illegal products from our streets and hold those responsible to account,” she said.