(MENAFN) Nearly 1,000 individuals have been detained across the United Kingdom as part of a large-scale campaign aimed at tackling criminal operations within neighborhood stores.

The month-long initiative, dubbed Operation Machinize 2, was directed by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and included synchronized inspections of thousands of small enterprises suspected of facilitating the laundering of illegal profits.

Throughout October, law enforcement officers visited or raided 2,734 establishments, apprehended 924 people, and confiscated more than £10.7 million ($14 million) in suspected unlawful earnings.

Authorities also destroyed £2.7 million worth of illegal merchandise, including 70 kilograms (154 pounds) of cannabis, 111,000 unlicensed vapes, 4.5 million cigarettes, and 622 kilograms (1,371 pounds) of untaxed tobacco—amounting to £3.5 million ($4.4 million) in avoided taxes, according to officials.

In addition, officials issued 341 referral notices concerning illegal employment and tenancy, which could result in penalties of up to £60,000 per unauthorized worker and £20,000 per tenant for landlords held responsible.

Over 450 companies were flagged for potential irregularities during the operation.

The NCA described this campaign as the largest of its kind, with the goal of “rooting out the economic crime and grey economy that makes our high streets less safe and prosperous.”

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