Detectives have charged four men, including one from Wollert, and seized almost $2.5 million worth of illicit tobacco following an investigation into the importation and distribution of the drug.
Seven search warrants were executed at about 6am on Wednesday, May 11 at four residential addresses in Wollert, Fawkner and Brunswick East, and three business premises in Campbellfield.
Police seized $195,000 cash, $2,455,635 in illicit tobacco (carton cigarettes), over 500kg of illicit loose-leaf tobacco (worth $126,500) and 224 boxes of molasses tobacco (worth $20,000).
Four men were arrested and interviewed in relation to the investigation.
A 79-year-old Wollert man was charged with the Commonwealth offences of seven counts of dealing with money to become an instrument of crime; eight counts of possessing tobacco products, knowing it was imported with the intention to defraud the revenue and three counts of aiding and abetting in the possession of tobacco products, knowing it was imported with the intention to defraud the revenue.
Three other men were charged.
The group was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday, May 17.
Acting Commander Peter Brigham Crime Command said: “The sale of illicit tobacco and its links to further criminality, including organised crime groups, can have a significant negative impact on communities and businesses.
“Victoria Police will continue to be relentless in its investigation of this illicit trade and I assure the public that this will not be tolerated.
“The profit of illicit tobacco is usually funnelled back to organised criminal syndicates that are involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. I would encourage people to be aware of what they’re buying and its greater links to criminality.”
