More than 50,000 illegal cigarettes and drugs have been seized by a dedicated police team on Erdington High Street, Birmingham. The seizure followed a warrant executed at an unnamed premises on Thursday, with officers working alongside Trading Standards.
During the search of the property and a linked car, police also discovered over 2.5kg of hand-rolling tobacco. The illicit goods are estimated by police to have a value exceeding £40,000. Investigating officers reportedly intend to explore the closure of the shop.
Last week, police also seized 27 wraps of suspected cocaine and heroin near Wilton Road, just off the high street. A male offender received a community resolution in connection with this discovery, and an investigation into the drugs is ongoing.
West Midlands Police deployed a dedicated team to Erdington High Street last year due to high crime levels, launching Operation Fearless in January 2025 to address criminality. Sgt Claire Millard, from the Erdington neighbourhood team, stated that enforcement activities like this are key to addressing concerns about the supply of drugs and illicit goods.