Five people have been arrested and thousands of pounds in cash and counterfeit goods seized during a major two-week operation targeting organised criminal gangs in Hertfordshire.

Officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Serious and Organised Crime Command, supported by the Operational Support Group and Force Intelligence Bureau, carried out a series of raids between 13 and 24 October as part of a county-wide crackdown on gangs involved in drug dealing, counterfeit goods and the exploitation of vulnerable people.

Working alongside Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Hertfordshire County Council's Trading Standards, police executed warrants at eight addresses in Broxbourne, London Colney, South Oxhey, St Albans and Watford.

The operation resulted in five arrests, the seizure of more than £25,000 in cash, and around 3,000 suspected illegal vapes worth approximately £30,000.

Those arrested included:

• A 36-year-old man of no fixed address, on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and profiting from the proceeds of crime.
• A 24-year-old man from Greatham Road, Bushey, on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
• A 19-year-old man from Ashby Road, Watford, also on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
• A 24-year-old from Marymead Drive, Stevenage, detained for immigration offences.
• A 35-year-old from The Willows, Stevenage, detained for immigration offences.

Chief Inspector Martin Turpin, from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Crime and Intelligence Team, said: "These operations were carried out as part of Operation Machinize, a National Crime Agency-coordinated initiative to tackle money laundering and the criminal use of cash-intensive high street businesses.

"Organised crime groups use these businesses to launder money from drug dealing and other illegal activities, often exploiting vulnerable people and selling low-quality counterfeit goods. Working with Trading Standards and local councils, we've targeted retailers involved in selling counterfeit and illegal products, dealing drugs and exploiting workers. These activities fund organised crime and pose real risks to our communities."

Residents are encouraged to report any information about suspected organised crime or the sale of illegal goods via herts.police.uk/report or by calling 101. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.