Officials confiscated an illegal tobacco harvest weighing 16 tonnes in regional Victoria following a tip from the public.
On Tuesday, March 6, the Australian Taxation Office, Victoria Police, and the Australian Border Force executed two search warrants at a location in Merrigum, Victoria.
They found two illegal tobacco plantations spanning over 13 acres.
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The estimated worth of the crop under excise was close to $35 million.
The harvest was confiscated and demolished.
"These seizures—and their estimated worth of nearly $35 million in prevented excise—carry substantial weight, and their effects will surely be noticed by criminal organisations active within this state," stated Victoria Police Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Darlow.
ATO Deputy Commissioner Jade Hawkins commended the individual who first reached out to the Victoria Police, leading to the information being passed on to the ATO.
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"As community tips are one of our most valuable sources of information, they offer us and our partnering organizations essential data to aid in combating illegal tobacco activities," she stated.
ABF Acting Commander Tori Rosemond stated that it was believed organized crime syndicates were responsible for controlling approximately 75 percent of the illegal tobacco trade in Australia.
"Every day, we're identifying and confiscating large amounts of illegal tobacco at the borders; however, this isn’t enough to stop the flow entirely. That’s why we collaborate closely with our partners to eradicate these locally operated illicit activities," stated Rosemond.
Anyone who believes that illegal tobacco might be cultivated, produced, or traded within their area can anonymously inform the ATO by calling 1800 060 062. online .
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