OPERATION JUNGLEVINE2 SLASHES SECOND TOBACCO CROP

2 May 2023 This is a joint media release between the Australian Taxation Office, Australian Border Force, and New South Wales Police

More than 77,000 kgs of illicit tobacco have been seized and destroyed at a property in Binnaway, NSW after action by the Illicit Tobacco Taskforce’s (ITTF) Operation Junglevine2, led by officers from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The ATO was supported by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and NSW Police.

Officers uncovered more than 9 acres of illicit tobacco, 170kg of dried leaf tobacco, and 3 kilns. The tobacco had a total combined potential excise value of more than $11.9 million. Officers also uncovered a number of safes containing unlicenced firearms and ammunition, which were seized by NSW Police for further investigation.

Following investigations, ATO officers and police attended the property in Binnaway and executed a warrant at about 10.45 am last Thursday (27 April 2023).

The operation was attended by detectives from Operation Phobetor, comprising the NSW Police Force’s State Crime Command, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), and in conjunction with investigators from the ATO and the ABF-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce. Partner agencies attended the property as part of ongoing investigations.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins explained that orchestrated illicit tobacco growing operations often involve organised crime syndicates.

“The people behind these arrangements are not honest, hardworking Australians. They are organised criminals who use the money from their illegal activities to fund their extravagant lifestyles,” Ms Hawkins said.

“Criminals living and operating in local communities often target genuine farmers and landowners and trick them into renting land for illegal tobacco crops.” “Criminals who deal in illicit tobacco pose a serious threat to the Australian community. Evading excise duty on tobacco costs the community millions of dollars that could be spent on essential community services.”

The Commander of Operation Phobetor, the joint agency team comprising of NSW Police, AFP and ACIC, Detective Superintendent Stuart Cadden, said this joint-agency action continued to ensure organised crime networks cannot push their profits through other criminal means.

“Organised criminal networks will use any possible business venture to fund their activities. All law enforcement agencies will ensure we can disrupt these syndicates and stop them in their tracks,” Mr Cadden said.

ABF Commander Penelope Spies said the ITTF is committed to targeting, disrupting and dismantling the illicit tobacco trade and associated criminal activities.

“Illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime. Not only does it rob profits from legitimately operating businesses and the community, proceeds from illicit tobacco are channelled into harmful criminal activities,” Commander Spies said.

“The ABF, along with our partner agencies, will continue to make Australia and its border a hostile environment for criminals seeking to bring harm to the community.”