Police have arrested six people in Bedfordshire after raids targeting organised crime operating through high street businesses. Operation Machinize, a nationwide initiative coordinated by the National Crime Agency (NCA), was carried out in October and focused on money laundering and counterfeit goods, with officers seizing drugs, counterfeit items and more than £25,000 in cash across the county. In Bedford, police and Bedford Borough Council Trading Standards seized more than £17,000 and over 500 counterfeit items, including illicit perfume and vape products. In Luton, officers arrested two men on suspicion of money laundering and drug offences. They seized over £8,000 in cash, along with counterfeit perfume and toys, and both men were bailed with conditions while investigations continue. In Leighton Buzzard, officers arrested a man suspected of drug-related driving offences, possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, and an uninsured vehicle was confiscated. Inspector Matthew Stonnell said proactive action is needed to dismantle organised crime networks that profit from counterfeit goods and money laundering, which he said fuels further criminality and causes harm to communities. Investigations are ongoing following the arrests.