Truck loaded with $8m in cigarettes vanishes in Altona

A B-double truck loaded with millions of dollars worth of cigarettes — a hot black market commodity — has been stolen from an Altona factory.

The soaring price of cigarettes has made them a hot commodity on the black market.

A truck loaded with cigarettes valued at $8m has been stolen in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

The B-double loaded with smokes was driven from a transport distribution centre in Altona on Sunday.

Police said the theft happened just before 6pm.

The truck and its cargo have not yet been recovered and detectives from Hobsons Bay CIU are investigating.

It is not known whether the truck was fitted with any kind of GPS tracking technology frequently employed in the industry.

Tobacco products have in the past decade become an increasingly valued black market commodity for organised crime.

Their booming value has led to many ram raids and other thefts from tobacconists.

Earlier this week, a large haul of tobacco was found at properties which were among 20 raided as part of a major operation against a Middle-Eastern organised crime group.

Anyone with information about the Altona theft can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au.