On Tuesday, October 22, a 21-year-old Yarrawonga man was arrested after the Cobram CIU and the Yarrawonga police unit carried out a search warrant at a Yarrawonga store on Orr St.
The man was interviewed, released and is expected to be charged on summons.
Cobram police unit Senior Sergeant Nathan Ractliffe said over the past 12 months the unit had been working with local real estate agents to disrupt the illegal sale of tobacco across Moira Shire.
“We don’t believe there’s any illegal activity or illicit tobacco being sold in the Cobram area at this point in time,” he said.
One man from Hoppers Crossing, who was arrested on Tuesday, was charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation, possess tobacco products with the intent of defrauding the revenue, and possess proceeds of crime and sell/distribute e-cigarettes.
Under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), directing the activities of a criminal organisation carries a maximum prison term of 15 years.
In total, Victoria Police executed 27 search warrants across the state, including at a Hoppers Crossing property from which they seized a Lamborghini Coupe and a Range Rover.
Police allege the syndicate earned over $30 million over a 12-month period from the proceeds of illicit tobacco sales at several stores.
Police also seized at least 75kg of loose-leaf tobacco, cash and over 600,000 illicit tobacco sticks.
Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said organised crime syndicates and their serious offending linked to the infiltration of the tobacco industry remain a top priority for Victoria Police.
“Those involved have the potential and the propensity to commit serious acts of violence and given their complete disregard for the safety of others, pose a serious risk to the community. Their criminality cannot be tolerated,” he said.
Police encourage anyone with information relating to the sale of illicit tobacco to call Crimestoppers Victoria on 1300 333 000.
