A total of 64 arrests have been made, weapons seized and cash recovered during a police blitz on organised crime in York and North Yorkshire.
North Yorkshire Police said the 24 hours of action during Operation Super Tornado Two on Wednesday (September 23) marked the "biggest operation in the force's history".
The operation saw 13,000 illegal cigarettes seized following visits to 12 high street premises across the county.
Police on the scene in Fourth Avenue, Tang Hall, York on Wednesday afternoon (September 23) (Image: Newsquest)
Police swooped on the 4th Avenue Store, in Fourth Avenue, which was closed by officers on Wednesday afternoon (September 23).
The closure notice will be heard at York Magistrates' Court on Thursday and if the order is granted, the premises will be completely sealed and there will be no access. The occupier "will need to find alternate accommodation", according to a notice posted on the shop's shutters.
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Meanwhile, police executed 14 warrants, located four wanted individuals, and seized six weapons across the county on Wednesday.
Officers also recovered 14 vehicles and £3,750 in cash, as well as seizing £1,280 from a nail bar which was suspected to be proceeds of crime.
A major drugs discovery was made in Northallerton, where a cannabis farm estimated to be worth around £1 million was found.
The operation also included action against organised immigration crime.
Police from numerous units were out in force during Operation Super Tornado on September 23 (Image: North Yorkshire Police)
Police said community engagement formed a key part of the operation.
Officers delivered educational sessions to more than 380 children and engaged the public in conversations about fraud prevention, rural crime, exploitation, and road safety.
Police facial recognition van in Davygate, York, on Wednesday (September 23) (Image: Newsquest)
In a first for the force, live facial recognition technology was deployed in York.
The system generated 12 positive matches from the watchlist.
This led to one arrest, eight checks on individuals subject to Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, and engagement with two others connected to intelligence alerts.
Officers also took time to explain the technology to members of the public, answering questions and addressing concerns.
Chief Constable Forber said: "Super Tornado Two allows us to bring those efforts together on a much larger scale, increasing our visibility and maximising our impact.
"To those who believe they can bring drugs, violence and criminality into our communities, our message is clear.
"We will come after you, we will disrupt your activities and we will use every tactic available to us to make North Yorkshire a hostile place for criminals.
"And to our communities, thank you. The information you provide us is invaluable. It helps us identify offenders, safeguard vulnerable people and direct our resources to where they are needed most."
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