Operation Machinize
Trading Standards
Conwy Council Trading Standards, Licensing and CCTV officers are working with North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Border Control as part of the UK-wide National Crime Agency led Operation Machinize.
On Friday (16/10/26), several premises were inspected in Conwy County Borough as part of this operation that targets cash-intensive businesses, including vape/mini markets, car wash premises, takeaway premises, massage premises and barbers.
Conwy’s Trading Standards officers seized a quantity of potentially dangerous illicit tobacco that had been purposely concealed.
Cllr Stephen Price, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Regulatory and Audit, said: “Conwy Trading Standards, Licensing and CCTV Officers are committed to protecting the public from dangerous goods, ensuring the safety of our community, and providing a fair-trading environment for all business across the County.”
Colleagues from Immigration made three arrests. Police, Immigration and Fire Service officers dealt with several other issues and enquiries are ongoing.
To report a crime, contact Crimestoppers 0800 555111 Crimestoppers in Wales | Crimestoppers
Posted on 19/10/2026