Authorities Seize $35 Million Tax-Evading Tobacco Crop Weighing 16 Tons

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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Authorities Crack Down: $35M Worth of Illegal Tobacco Seized in Northern Victoria

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.

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Border Crackdown Seizes More Eggs Than Fentanyl

Upon his return to office, Donald Trump declared a crackdown at the borders with the aim of halting the influx of fentanyl into the U.S.

However, in recent months, there have been more eggs than fentanyl have been confiscated by border officials as costs rise, according to a report.

From October onwards, border agents have confiscated 3,768 poultry-related items as opposed to just 352 seizures of the potent opioid, according to CBP statistics.

Egg interceptions have increased by 36 percent nationally from October onwards compared to the prior year, according to the report.

In certain areas of Texas, which is a key location for illegal egg trafficking, confiscations have increased by 54 percent as reported by the CBP’s Laredo field office. In contrast, in San Diego, such seizures have more than doubled.

“Differences in prices account for this,” said Roger Maier, a spokesperson for CBP, to The Wall Street Journal.

Mr. Maier is located in El Paso, where authorities have thwarted 90 attempts by individuals smuggling eggs into the country since January. "The cost here is roughly one-third of what you'd pay in the U.S.," he explained.

The rise in illegal activities involving eggs represents the newest indication of how far both consumers and suppliers are willing to go to circumvent skyrocketing costs.

A month ago, high-quality Grade A large eggs had an average price of $5.90 as reported by the Labour Department statistics. This figure marks the peak pricing ever recorded and represents a 97 percent surge from the $3 price for the same quantity one year prior.

The soaring prices The situation is being fueled by an avian influenza outbreak that has devastated the U.S. chicken population, leading farmers to exterminate their complete flocks if even one bird tests positive for the virus.

In certain areas, grocery buyers have noticed prices climbing up to $10 or higher for each box, whereas in other places, they've encountered fully depleted store shelves.

In New York City, a novel trend at local corner stores called "bodegas" involves selling individual eggs, referred to as “loosies,” which come packaged separately in small plastic wrappers instead of being sold in cartons.

CBS reported that in one case, a local grocery store was pricing three eggs at $2.99 instead of charging $12 for a full carton.

Restaurants have had to adjust to this trend, with establishments like Waffle House and Denny’s now imposing a 50-cent additional charge for every egg included in a meal.

In the meantime, these shortages have resulted in daring heists For instance, in early February, 100,000 eggs valued at $40,000 were taken from a distribution center in Pennsylvania.

To address the issue, the Justice Department has initiated an inquiry into the reasons behind rising costs, examining whether major manufacturers might be involved in price fixing or supply manipulation.

Last month, the USDA revealed plans to allocate up to $1 billion to tackle the issue of rising egg prices, with half a billion dollars designated for enhancing biosecurity protocols at poultry facilities.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits travelers from importing eggs or egg-containing items because these could transmit diseases if not adequately examined.

According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, CBP officers mentioned that the majority of individuals coming to the border are unaware that bringing eggs informally is prohibited, and many carry flat containers capable of holding up to 30 eggs each.

It is reported that officials were told to inquire if drivers had eggs, after which most individuals confess to their error.

However, those who fail to reveal their illicit contraband may face charges of up to $300 for a first-time offence.

Many of the 16 fines imposed by Customs officers in El Paso recently apparently pertain to hidden shipments of eggs.

Border officers must dispose of any seized eggs following "standard procedures," according to an officer who stated that these items are put into an incinerator.

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