A joint police operation in the Brinnington area of Stockport has uncovered illicit tobacco and nearly £40k in cash, resulting in two arrests for suspected money laundering.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police carried out the raid on a shop on Penhurst Road as part of an ongoing crackdown on crime in the area, Monday, March 16. 

The operation, led by GMP’s Operation Vulcan team, alongside Trading Standards and immigration officials, followed intelligence gathered from the local community. 

During the search, officers seized a quantity of illegal tobacco products along with approximately £35,000 to £40,000 in cash. The items have been taken for further investigation. 

The police said that two men, aged 28 and 39, were arrested on suspicion of money laundering. They have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A third man was also detained at the scene on suspicion of immigration offences, with investigations ongoing.

As part of the wider inquiry, officers later searched an additional property in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, where more cash was recovered. 

The activity forms part of Operation Vulcan’s deployment in Brinnington, which aims to tackle a range of issues, including anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and organised crime.

Inspector Dan Cullum, from the Operation Vulcan team, has urged residents to continue sharing information with police to support ongoing efforts to reduce crime in the area.

He said: “Illegal business practices can put many people at risk – from illicit and potentially harmful products to criminality behind the scenes – and it is right that we properly scrutinise where we suspect that something isn’t right and proper.

“Operation Vulcan has been in the area for a month now and we are investigating all manner of criminality, from businesses to nuisance homes, to anti-social hotspots. I would urge anyone within the area to get in touch with us if they have any issues.”