Four arrested after money laundering op

2 February 2011, 16:10 | Updated: 16 February 2011, 12:28

Bedfordshire Police have this morning (Wednesday February 2nd) executed warrants at 12 properties across Bedford and arrested four men as part of an operation to disrupt groups involved in criminal activity suspected of money laundering.

Thousands of pounds in cash, vehicles and firearms have been seized; these will be subject to further investigation.

The raids were carried out simultaneously at 6am in Bedford involving armed officers, unarmed officers, tactical teams and were supported by police dogs.

This is part of a much larger investigation by Bedfordshire Police into drug dealing and the illegal possession of firearms in Bedford.

Searches of the properties have taken place throughout the day. Officers and PCSOs from Safer Neighbourhood Teams across Bedford have been deployed into the areas where the warrants were carried out. Leaflets explaining why police activity has occurred have been handed to neighbours and residents in the areas to provide public reassurance in the communities affected.

Detective Chief Inspector Juliette Beaumont said:

“Today’s operation was significant and a direct response to public concerns”

“Our response today was necessary and justified against a backdrop of drug dealing and associated criminality, which included escalating incidents of violence.

“Organised illegal activity will not be tolerated in Bedfordshire. Our intention is to make Bedfordshire as hostile as possible for those who intend to and are committing offences.

We will use the legislation that is available to us to disrupt and dismantle crime groups as we are aware of the misery and distress that drugs and violence cause within our communities, which is why this operation has been carried out.”

If you have information about drug dealing and violent crime please contact the police in the following ways.

Call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111; or phone Bedfordshire Police on 01234 841212 or text 07786 200011; email enquiries@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk