Warrants were executed at 12 tobacco stores across Melbourne, including five in Hume and Whittlesea, in early April as part of the ongoing investigation by Taskforce Lunar into organised crime syndicates linked to the illicit tobacco trade.
Members of the taskforce were joined at the warrants from April 7-11 by representatives from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), who also executed warrants at the stores.
The stores, which police will allege are linked to two of the organised crime syndicates involved, were located in Altona Meadows, Truganina, Craigieburn, Broadmeadows, Tullamarine, Mill Park, Bundoora, Weir Views, Watsonia, Altona North, Prahran and Hawthorn,
Seized as part of the warrants was 14,593 e-cigarettes (vapes) with a street value of over $729,650 profit, 681,368 cigarettes representing $953,915 excise avoided, more than 305 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco worth $650,388 excise avoided, more than $22,500 in cash, and three conducted electricity devices and one baton.
Fourteen people were arrested and interviewed in relation to the offences of possess tobacco and possess proceeds of crime. They are expected to be charged on summons.
The VIPER Taskforce ran the same operation from November 21 to December 2, executing 16 search warrants across regional and metropolitan Melbourne.
Investigators continue to appeal to anyone, especially store owners and staff, who have information about these incidents and who is responsible to come forward.
VIPER Taskforce Detective Acting Inspector Justin Shields said the warrants are a strong demonstration of state and Commonwealth agencies coming together to target the issue of illicit tobacco in every way possible.
Australian Taxation Office assistant commissioner Jade Hawkins said the arrests and the seizure of illicit tobacco products demonstrate the ATO’s ongoing commitment to supporting its partners in removing it from the community while creating a level playing field for legitimate businesses.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
