Organised crime investigation leads to large-scale illicit tobacco bust in Shepparton and Mooroopna
Illegal tobacco with an estimated street value of more $4m has been seized from properties in Shepparton and Mooroopna as part of an investigation into organised crime. FIND OUT MORE.
Goulburn Valley
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Illegal tobacco seedlings with an estimated street value of $20m have been seized from properties in Shepparton and Mooroopna as part of an investigation into an alleged organised crime syndicate.
Police also found tobacco machinery, a quantity of illicit tobacco, cash, stolen vehicle registration plates and ammunition during the Wednesday swoop on eight residential and rural addresses in the region.
A 36-year-old man, a 38-year-old man, a 34-year-old man and a 41-year-old man, all from Shepparton, are expected to be charged on summons with a range of offences.
These include possess proceeds of crime and firearms offences, as well as a range of Commonwealth offences.
The investigation is ongoing and a court date for the four men has not yet been set.
The tobacco seedlings were destroyed with the approval of the Australian Taxation Office.
The bust was a joint effort between Echo Taskforce, Eastern Region Crime Team and Shepparton local area police and the Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police.
A police statement said this activity was a “significant blow” to the illicit tobacco trade in Australia.
“The purchase of illicit tobacco in Australia puts over $600m each year into the hands of criminals and undermines the efforts of businesses trying to turn a legitimate profit,” the statement said.
“Purchasing illicit tobacco enables organised crime syndicates to fund other criminal activity, including drug trafficking, which can seriously degrade the health and safety of the Australian community.
“Australians should be aware that every purchase is a decision point – it is that it is never okay to purchase illicit and illegal tobacco.”
Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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Contact Madi Chwasta at madi.chwasta@news.com.au
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