Raids netcounterfeitcigarettesand cash

EARLY-morning raids on homes in the Knottingley area have led to thousands of pounds of cash being seized along with counterfeit cigarettes and drugs.

During the raids on Monday three people were arrested, 10,000 was seized in cash, 150,000 counterfeit cigarettes were recovered, 10 litres of alcohol were found and a small quantity of controlled drugs recovered.

Police said two people were arrested were under the Proceeds of Crime Act and a third for possession of controlled drugs.

Insp Richard Sullivan, of Pontefract and Knottingley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This operation was staged as a result of information received from the local community.

“We acted on the information and as a result those arrested may lose valuable assets if it is found to have been obtained from the proceeds of crime.”

Pontefract and Knottingley Neighbourhood Policing Team worked in partnership with Wakefield and District Housing (WDH), West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, HM Customs, West Yorkshire Trading Standards, Imperial Tobacco and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) during the operation.

Graham Hebblethwaite, West Yorkshire Trading Standards Chief Officer, said last night: “This will hopefully send a warning to those who are happy to make money with no regard to the harm they cause local communities.”

Gary Lumb, WDH Community Safety Manager said, “WDH support the actions of the Police in taking swift action against those who commit crime within our neighbourhoods and who seek to profit from selling illegal goods.”

Insp Sullivan urged anyone who is suspicious that someone is living beyond their means with no apparent legitimate income to ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

“You can remain anonymous and officers can use the intelligence given. You may not see action straight away, but your concerns will be taken seriously,” Insp Sullivan added.