ON Thursday, March 6, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), supported by Victoria Police’s VIPER Taskforce and the Australian Border Force (ABF), executed two search warrants in Merrigum, Victoria. During the operation, they seized and destroyed over 16 tonnes of illicit tobacco, with an estimated excise value of nearly $35M.
A search of the property revealed two illicit tobacco crops of more than 13 acres, which is equivalent to almost 12 football fields in size. In a statement following the seizures, Victoria Police Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Darlow said:
“We have made it clear that we will target anyone at any level across the state who is involved in the distribution and sale of illicit tobacco, and that involves regional Victoria.”
ATO Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins said:
“Community tip-offs are one of our best sources of information as they provide us and our partner agencies with crucial information to assist in the fight against illicit tobacco.
“The significant outcomes of these raids are another positive step forward in the ongoing work to detect, disrupt and dismantle organised crime syndicates who use profits from illicit tobacco to fund other, more serious illegal activities.”
