Two men illegally-imported cigarettes in rope boxes

Two men arrested in Burwood after AFP found 1500 cartons of cigarettes hidden in boxes of rope.

Two men have been arrested and charged after police seized 1500 cartons of illegally-imported cigarettes hidden in boxes filled with rope.

Their alleged criminal activity was linked to a premises in Burwood.

A search warrant resulted in The Australian Federal Police (AFP) seizing 32 boxes of ‘braided rope’ with four spools of rope in each box. In the cavity of each spool, there were 12 cartons of cigarettes.

Police images show Esse Lights cigarettes, a brand of South Korean cigarettes.

Yesterday, the two men transported the rope from their Burwood premises to a vehicle, where they were arrested.

Cigarettes illegally imported in boxes of ‘braided rope’ in Burwood.

An investigation began in May 2019 when the AFP became aware of the men.

Three separate international consignments containing braided rope were sent to the men from Hong Kong and were investigated by police.

The men are set to appear before Sydney Central Local Court today charged with importation of tobacco products with intent to defraud revenue, and possess/convey tobacco knowing it to be imported with intend to defraud revenue.

These offences have a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment. The penalty may also be determined by the amount of duty on the goods.