Cade Lucas
A Hoppers Crossing man has been charged and a significant amount of illicit tobacco products seized after police executed search warrants on multiple properties on Tuesday.
Police from the Viper Taskforce investigating links between organised crime syndicates and the illicit tobacco trade, raided a home in Hoppers Crossing, two storage facilities and a tobacco store in Korumburra and a storage facility in Highett on November 28.
Police had earlier been tipped off that the properties were allegedly being used to store illicit tobacco supplied to tobacconists on a daily basis.
More than 528,000 cigarettes worth an estimated $656,000 in duty excise were seized during the search warrants, along with 25 kilograms of loose leaf tobacco worth in excess of $46,000 in evaded duties and more than 600 e-cigarettes (vapes) with a street value of at least $48,000.
The 48-year-old Hoppers Crossing man, who police will allege was the supplier, was arrested and charged overnight with the Commonwealth offence of possessing-conveying tobacco with intent to defraud the revenue.
He was bailed to appear at Werribee Magistrates’ Court on July 1.
Detective Inspector Craig Darlow urged anyone involved in, or with knowledge of, the illicit tobacco trade, to speak to police.
“Any piece of information could be key in bringing this dispute to an end,” he said.
“It is critical that anyone purchasing illicit tobacco understands the ramifications of doing so.”
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
