Law enforcement and regulatory bodies recently concluded an intensive initiative, titled Operation Cane, to bolster public safety and dismantle organized crime networks. This intelligence-led operation targeted a range of offences including anti-social behaviour, regulatory non-compliance, and modern slavery across small business sectors.
The operation saw a significant breakthrough when officers intercepted a vehicle in Newingreen, Hythe, during proactive checks for organized immigration crime. A search uncovered approximately 2,000 pouches of counterfeit tobacco and £30,000 in cash. Authorities seized the currency under the Proceeds of Crime Act, while the counterfeit goods were handed over to regulatory teams for further action.
The momentum continued with high-visibility, unannounced inspections across commercial districts in High Street, Hythe, and Folkestone Town Centre. During one visit centred on modern slavery and trading regulations, two individuals were arrested for illegal entry into the country. Investigators discovered that a storage area at the rear of the business was being used as makeshift living quarters. Fire and rescue specialists were called to the scene to assess significant safety risks, leading to immediate safeguarding measures for visitors and staff.
At a separate location, authorities uncovered a sophisticated “hide” concealed beneath a shop counter, used to store counterfeit tobacco for rapid illegal sales. Further enforcement actions are currently pending. A third business was forced to cease operations after an inspection revealed an individual working without the necessary legal permissions. With no authorized staff available to manage the site, the premises were ordered to close.
The success of the operation was rooted in a collaborative effort between several key organizations. Kent Police, operating from the Folkestone & Hythe Community Safety Unit at the Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone which worked alongside Kent County Council Trading Standards, based at County Hall, Maidstone. These teams were supported by Home Office Immigration Enforcement located in Folkestone and Kent Fire and Rescue Service headquartered at Tovil in Maidstone.