Three individuals remain in custody following a police raid on a suspected brothel in Smethwick, where officers discovered a substantial quantity of illegal cigarettes and dangerous weapons.
West Midlands Police (WMP) executed a warrant at a property on Bearwood Road on Wednesday, May 6, after receiving reports of suspicious activity. The operation, conducted in collaboration with Trading Standards, uncovered more than 6,000 packs of counterfeit cigarettes, along with a large knife and a machete.
Arrests and Charges
The three suspects were arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. They are currently in police custody as investigations continue. A WMP spokesperson stated: "Thousands of packs of counterfeit cigarettes have been seized from a suspected brothel in Smethwick. We were called following concerns of suspicious activity at a property in Bearwood Road."
Details of the Raid
The police's Serious Organised Crime and Exploitation (SOCEX) officers carried out searches on May 6, finding evidence that the building was being used as a brothel. In addition to the counterfeit cigarettes, a large knife and a machete were discovered inside the premises.
The spokesperson added: "We regularly carry out warrants and targeted operations against premises suspected of housing illegal activity. From suspected brothels and unlicensed gambling sites to cannabis farms and high-street shops, we act on all intelligence and information sent in by the public. This helps us build a clear picture of where and when criminal activity is happening, as well as helping us safeguard vulnerable people."
Public Appeal
West Midlands Police urge anyone with information about suspicious activities to report it via 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers. In emergencies, always call 999.
