An illicit tobacco harvest valued at $35 million was dismantled by officials in the north Victorian community of Merrigum.
This month, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Victoria Police’s VIPER Taskforce, and the Australian Border Force (ABF) confiscated and eliminated over 16 tonnes of tobacco.
The authorities subsequently carried out two search warrants at the location in Merrigum on March 6 and discovered over five hectares – approximately equivalent to twelve football fields – of illegal tobacco plants during this operation.
Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Darlow stated that this confiscation created a substantial impact on the illicit tobacco trade controlled by criminal organisations; however, no arrests have been carried out yet.
"Interrupting these syndicates and halting their illegal activities continues to be a top priority for Victoria Police," he stated.
Acting Superintendent Barlow stated that officials were exerting every effort to focus on the syndicate leaders, organizers, and cultivators engaged in this illicit activity.
"The ATO commended local residents who spotted the extensive crops in Merrigum and tipped off the authorities," he stated.
ATO Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins stated that these individuals supplied the department and its allied organizations with essential data to aid in combating illegal tobacco activities.
Officials have determined that organized crime syndicates dominate 75 percent of the illegal tobacco trade in Australia.
