Showing posts with label tobacco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tobacco. Show all posts


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.