Police seize fake cigarettes at suspected brothel

Thousands of packets of counterfeit cigarettes have been seized from a suspected brothel, police have said.

West Midlands Police was called following concerns of suspicious activity at a property in Bearwood Road, Smethwick, and offices carried out a joint search with trading standards on Wednesday.

They found evidence that the building was being used as a brothel, as well as discovering more than 6,000 packs of counterfeit cigarettes.

A large knife and a machete were also found inside and three people were arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. They all remain in custody on Thursday.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "We regularly carry out warrants and targeted operations against premises suspected of housing illegal activity.

"From suspected brothels and unlicensed gambling sites to cannabis farms and high-street shops, we act on all intelligence and information sent in by the public.

"This helps us build a clear picture of where and when criminal activity is happening, as well as helping us safeguard vulnerable people."

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