Four million illegal cigarettes seized as criminal syndicate busted

Police have dismantled an organised crime syndicate allegedly involved in the trafficking of illegal tobacco, with more than four million cigarettes seized and six people arrested.

The seven-month long investigation has been led by the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, focusing on the trafficking of drugs of dependence across Melbourne.

Detectives conducted a search warrant at a property in Lalor on Tuesday 24 March, uncovering a large quantity of cigarettes, tobacco and other items.

The items seized include:

• 420 boxes of packaged cigarettes, with each containing approximately 10,000 cigarettes, equating to approximately 4.2m individual cigarettes
• Large quantity of loose and compressed tobacco
• Approximately $10,000 in cash
• Quantity of crystal substance believed to be methyl amphetamine
• Mobile phones, a cash counter and a set of scales

The quantity of cigarettes seized was enough to fill a sprinter van and two 4.2 metre truck.

Police arrested six people who are now all facing charges, including:

• An 18-year-old man from Lalor was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of drug of dependence, possess drug of dependence and fail to provide a pin code to his mobile phones. He has been summonsed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 17 April.
  
  
• A 23-year-old man from Lalor is expected to be charged on summons for knowingly deal proceeds of crime and possess tobacco products.
  
  
• A 40-year-old Asian national male has been charged with knowingly deal proceeds of crime, possess tobacco 100kg or above, and possess tobacco products reckless that it was imported with the intent to defraud the revenue. He has been bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 12 June.
  
  
• A 39-year-old Asian national female has been charged with knowingly deal proceeds of crime, possess tobacco 100kg or above, and possess tobacco products reckless that it was imported with the intent to defraud the revenue. She has been bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 12 June.
  
  
• A 49-year-old man from Lalor has been charged with knowingly deal proceeds of crime possess tobacco 100kg or above, and possess tobacco products reckless that it was imported with the intent to defraud the revenue. He has been bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 12 June.
  
  
• A 39-year-old Asian national female has been charged with knowingly deal proceeds of crime possess tobacco 100kg or above, and possess tobacco products reckless that it was imported with the intent to defraud the revenue. She has been bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 12 June.
  
  

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Quotes attributable to North West Metro Regional Crime Squad Detective Inspector Geoff Owen:

“It’s no secret that we are determined to make our state a hostile place for organised crime.

“Our work does not stop here. We will continue to focus on these groups and ensure anyone involved at any level is held to account for criminal activity.”

Media Unit

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