Police say they have smashed one of Australia’s biggest illegal tobacco importation syndicates.
Crime authorities have smashed an illicit tobacco importation syndicate worth $67 million, believed to be one of the biggest in Australia’s history.
More than 70 tonnes of tobacco plus 80 million cigarette sticks were seized concealed in shipping containers imported from a number of countries including Indonesia.
Police have charged 10 people and have issued 12 warrants.
Six people were arrested in June and four were arrested on Thursday.
The tobacco was hidden in legitimate packaged goods including food products, such as noodles and cigarette packaging.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Crime Command Steve Fontana said cash and documents were seized when warrants were executed, with those arrested residing in Parkville, East Melbourne, Northcote and Macleod.
“This is criminal activity. It’s illegal activity. This is one of the largest syndicates of tobacco importation in the country’s history,” Mr Fontana told reporters in Melbourne on Thursday.
“This is a really significant and well organised group and the sheer volume of material seized indicates that it is one of the largest.”
The investigation by the multi-agency Trident Taskforce began in January after border protection authorities alerted police to a large quantity of illegally imported tobacco from Indonesia.
It later focused on the importation of a large volume of illicit tobacco from the United Arab Emirates and other countries.
He said pseudoephedrine was also concealed within food products imported in shipping containers.
Mr Fontana said the syndicate bypassed quarantine controls.
“These people are exploiting the vulnerabilities in our docks. The tax evasion is significant. They’re bypassing health controls,” he said.
“A lot of these people have set up legitimate businesses as a front for illegitimate businesses.”
He said there was nothing to suggest outlaw motorcycle gangs were involved.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/police-target-illegal-tobacco-syndicate/
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/10/24/police-target-illegal-tobacco-syndicate
http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/police-target-illegal-tobacco-syndicate/
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