Bedfordshire Police’s Licensing Team, working with Trading Standards, has carried out a search of a property in Ampthill Road, Bedford on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.
The search was the result of a concern raised by the local community.
As a result of the operation, five thousand cigarettes and a quantity of alcohol without duty paid, were seized.
Additionally, a large quantity of medication, including items available on prescription only, was found.
A pepper spray was also recovered.
PC Rob Sparkes, from the Licensing Team, said: “This was a successful multi-agency operation which resulted in recovering a large amount of illicit alcohol, cigarettes and medication. Selling these types of products without appropriate control and license is extremely dangerous.
“Illicit cigarettes can contain harmful chemicals, like heavy metals and mould. Additionally, prescription drugs should only be taken under medical supervision.
“We are grateful for the support from the local community. We will continue to work with our residents to ensure that products sold in our county are safe for the consumers.”
A Bedford Borough Council spokesperson said: “Our Trading Standards Team regularly works with Bedfordshire Police in operations to keep illegal and potentially dangerous substances off our streets, and this seizure is a real victory in keeping our streets safe, in partnership with the local community.”
If you wish to report suspicious behaviour you can do so online by visiting the force’s online reporting centre https://www.bedfordshire.police.uk/report/Report#50187ffc or by calling 101.
