West Midlands Police have seized more than 50,000 illegal cigarettes, 2.5kg of hand-rolling tobacco, and drugs from a shop on Erdington High Street, Birmingham. Officers executed a warrant at an unnamed premises on Thursday as part of enforcement activity targeting high crime levels in the area.
The illicit goods have an estimated value of more than £40,000. A car linked to the shop was also confiscated during the search, which was carried out in partnership with Trading Standards.
Operation Fearless in Erdington
West Midlands Police launched Operation Fearless in Erdington in January 2025 to tackle criminality on the high street. A dedicated neighbourhood team of six officers began patrols a few months later.
Traders reported in 2024 that daily shoplifting and drug-dealing was damaging their businesses. The police operation was deployed in response to these concerns.
Further Drug Seizures
Last week, police also seized 27 wraps of suspected cocaine and heroin near Wilton Road, just off the high street. A male offender was given a community resolution in relation to that discovery, with the investigation into the drugs continuing.
Shop Closure Powers
Police said they were seeking powers through the courts to explore the closure of the unnamed premises where the cigarettes and tobacco were found.
Sgt Claire Millard, from the Erdington neighbourhood team, said: "When people tell us they're worried about the supply of drugs and illicit goods on the high street, enforcement like this is key to dealing with that."
