Peats Ridge: $3m worth of illegal tobacco seized in raid
Police have seized almost one tonne of illegal tobacco worth an estimated value of $3 million in a raid on a Peats Ridge property.
Central Coast
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Police have seized almost one tonne of tobacco at a rural Central Coast property.
Last month, detectives attached to Brisbane Water Police District received information about an illegal tobacco crop at a rural property in Peats Ridge.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives and investigators from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) conducted a search at the property about 3.30pm on Monday, April 13.
Investigators located and seized a total of 970kg of tobacco product, as well as a 5.3ha tobacco crop.
Investigators also spoke with 10 people — five men and five women.
No charges have been laid yet but police established a crime scene and held by officers overnight, with further analysis completed on Tuesday, April 14.
All seized tobacco has since been destroyed by the ATO.
The estimated value of all tobacco seized and destroyed was more than $3 million.
Brisbane Water Police Commander Superintendent Tony Joice said this was a great example of the community assisting police and the ATO on a daily basis.
“The public play a major role when it comes to reporting crime in the community,” he said.
“I would like to thank all involved and continue to encourage members of the community who wish to report any crimes to come forward.”
Investigations are continuing, with Brisbane Water detectives working alongside the ATO and the Australian Border Force (ABF) through the ABF-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce.
The taskforce was established to investigate, prosecute and dismantle organised crime groups who use the proceeds of illicit tobacco to fund other criminal activity.
Police have urged anyone who suspects illegal tobacco is being grown or manufactured in their community to confidentially report it online at ato.gov.au/illicittobacco or by calling 1800 060 062.
It has been illegal to grow tobacco in Australia for more than a decade.
If convicted, the possession of tobacco over 500kgs carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
For more information about illicit tobacco, visit ato.gov.au/illicittobacco.