A police operation targeting organised crime, money laundering, and modern slavery blocked a town centre road this afternoon.
More than a dozen officers and a dog unit were seen searching businesses in Market Street, Watford, from around 12.15pm (October 12).
Police ‘road closed’ signs and cones were in place at the junction with Exchange Road for around 20 minutes, according to witnesses.
A Herts Police spokesperson said: “Hertfordshire Constabulary, working in partnership with Herts County Council’s trading standards and the Immigration Office, carried out an operation to combat organised crime, money laundering, and modern slavery.
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“Officers visited several premises in Market Street, Watford, today to check retailers are complying with the law and offer advice to business owners.”
No arrests were made, but cigarettes and vapes were seized during the operation. These are being dealt with by trading standards.
Hertfordshire County Council has confirmed trading standards officers are investigating further and will consider "all available enforcement options".
The force has carried out similar raids in the road during October for at least the past two years, with arrests made and hundreds of illegal vapes, tobacco products, and suspected counterfeit items in 2024 and 2025.
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