Australian Taxation Office raids shut down four illegal tobacco farms with crops worth $23n

Australian Taxation Office raids shut down four illegal tobacco farms with crops worth $23n

Tom Minear
March 9, 2018
Herald Sun

EXCLUSIVE: FOUR illegal tobacco farms have been shut down and weapons seized during raids in regional Victoria this week.

The Herald Sun can reveal tobacco with an excise value of more than $23 million was seized in the joint Australian Taxation Office-Victoria Police operations carried out across the state.

Farmers are now being warned to watch out for organised crime syndicates approaching them to grow illegal tobacco, which is a major source of cash for gangs.

It comes after the ATO carried out 16 similar raids in the last 18 months, seizing and destroying crops worth more than $91 million.

About 12 acres of tobacco crops worth $6 million were destroyed in Dunnstown near Ballarat last Thursday, where authorities also seized illegal firearms and equipment.

Victoria Police said two men aged 66 and 61 arrested at the scene were assisting with their investigation.

Another 20 acres of crops worth nearly $9 million were seized in Telopea Downs on the South Australian border this week, along with 16 acres worth $7 million at Mooroopna near Shepparton.

Illegal tobacco crops destroyed in regional Victoria after raids by the Australian Taxation Office this week. Picture: Supplied

The fourth raid in Oaklands Junctions, near Craigieburn, led to the seizure of 1.3 tonnes of dried tobacco, and the destruction of freshly-planted crops worth $1.3 million.

No-one has been charged over the raids and investigations are continuing.

“Engaging in the illegal tobacco trade not only supports organised crime syndicates, it also robs the community by denying them of taxes that would be raised,” ATO assistant commissioner Peter Vujanic said.

“The ATO is concerned that farmers in these areas may be targeted by organised criminal organisations or be at risk of unintentionally becoming involved in criminal activity.

“If you are approached about growing tobacco or think you may be unwittingly involved in growing illegal crops, you should let the ATO know as soon as practicable.”

Mr Vujanic urged the community to “remain vigilant for any signs of illegal activity” to help authorities catch any illegal tobacco growers.

It comes as the Turnbull Government pushes for new laws which will increase the maximum jail term for ­excise offences from two to 10 years, and increase the maximum fine of $105,000 to $315,000.

“Those who deal in illicit tobacco threaten Australia’s revenue base,” Revenue and Financial Services Minister Kelly O’Dwyer said.