Australian police seize more than $2 million worth of illicit tobacco products in raids

According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on the 27th, the Victoria Police conducted raids on 16 tobacco shops in the region as part of an operation targeting organized crime groups involved in illegal tobacco.

This operation was assisted by officials from the Australian Border Force and tax officials, involving shops in Shepparton, Seymour, Yarra Valley, and Ballarat, seizing over $2 million worth of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, loose tobacco, and cash.

The "Viper Task Force" operation took place on Thursday, primarily targeting six shops in Shepparton and eight shops in Seymour, Yarra Valley, and Ballarat.

During these raids, police arrested six suspects and discovered over $16,000 in cash within the shops, identified as proceeds of crime.

In total, police seized nearly 40,000 e-cigarettes, estimated to be worth over $1 million.

Additionally, the operation confiscated 611,000 tax-evaded cigarettes, with a total tax evasion amount exceeding $760,000, as well as 153 kilograms of loose tobacco with tax evasion exceeding $280,000.

Police stated that these seizures are related to organized crime groups that are "seriously" involved in illegal tobacco trading.

Jason Kelly, the head of the Victoria Police Anti-Gang Squad, warned that they are continuously cracking down on anyone involved in illegal tobacco sales across Victoria.