Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Organised Crime Branch have taken part in phase two of Operation Machinize, a National Crime Agency-led initiative supported by the National Police Chiefs' Council and partner bodies across the UK.

The operation targets organised crime groups using cash‑intensive high street businesses for illegal activity and financial gain. Over a month of intensified activity in October, the PSNI seized over £425,000 in cash, more than £41,600 worth of drugs, counterfeit goods valued at over £18,000, and 20,000 cigarettes. Officers also froze in excess of £110,000 in suspected criminal finances, executed six warrants, made one arrest and issued two Community Resolution Notices.

Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Neill, Head of the Organised Crime Branch, said: "We are determined to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups who continue to exploit the communities they live in for their own financial gain and this intensification period allows us to focus our efforts, and target businesses in Northern Ireland that are being used as cover for a range of criminality.

"This targeted activity also enables us to reduce any associated antisocial behaviour, keeping our communities safer, and safeguarding vulnerable people who are being exploited. "Our investigations into organised crime are ongoing throughout the year and our work won't end with the culmination of this phase of Operation Machinize. However, by highlighting this intensified period of activity, we can help ensure the serious issue of criminal finance is firmly at the forefront of the public's minds.

"The initiative emphasises concerted efforts to tackle and disrupt the activities of criminals, not just here in Northern Ireland, but throughout the UK.

"We will continue to work collaboratively with our partner agencies such as HM Revenue and Customs, Trading Standards, Immigration Enforcement and the Environmental Health Department in our collective determined efforts to crackdown on fraudulent activities."

She added: "We also rely upon the support of members of the public, and I'm keen to take every opportunity to urge anyone with information or concerns, to please speak to us. You can call us on 101 or contact, with total anonymity, the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Kevin Hubbard, Director of Individual and Small Business Compliance at HM Revenue and Customs, said: "We are determined to allow honest businesses to thrive which is why it's crucial we work closely with our law enforcement partners, including the PSNI, to take action against any business that we suspect are undermining the tax system.

"The majority pay the tax that is due, but we will pursue those who refuse to play by the rules."

Across the UK, the coordinated effort led to 924 arrests, the seizure of more than £10.7 million in criminal proceeds and the destruction of illicit commodities worth over £2.7 million.