Bedfordshire Police have arrested six people and seized more than £25,000 in cash after raids targeting organised crime operating through high street businesses across the county. The arrests were made as part of Operation Machinize, a national operation coordinated by the National Crime Agency (NCA) to tackle money laundering and the criminal use of cash-intensive businesses. Warrant activity in October led to arrests on suspicion of money laundering, drug offences and immigration offences. In Luton, two men were arrested at a shop on suspicion of money laundering and multiple Class A and Class B drug offences. Officers seized more than £8,000 in cash, along with counterfeit perfume and toys. The men were released on bail with conditions while enquiries continue. A separate warrant in Bedford, carried out with Bedford Borough Council Trading Standards, led to more than £17,000 in cash being seized. Police also recovered more than 500 counterfeit items, including fake perfume and illegal vape products. In Leighton Buzzard, a man was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. Police seized his uninsured vehicle and suspected cannabis. He was charged with driving with excess drugs, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance, and later bailed for the drugs supply offence while enquiries continue. Inspector Matthew Stonnell said organised crime has no place on Bedfordshire’s high streets and added that the operation supports sustained enforcement. Police are urging anyone with information about suspicious activity, including potential money laundering or the sale of counterfeit goods, to report it online or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.