Melbourne, Oct 25 -Australian police has smashed a large international cigarette importation syndicate that tried to smuggle A$67 million worth of tobacco hidden in packaged food products into the country.
More than 70 tonnes of tobacco, 80 million cigarette sticks and a quantity of pseudoephedrine was seized by police as part of an investigation by the multi-agency Trident Taskforce, reports the Australian Associated Press (AAP).
Police have charged 10 people and have issued 12 warrants across Melbourne’s suburbs of Parkville, East Melbourne, Northcote and Macleod.
Border protection authorities alerted police in January to the large amount of illegally imported tobacco, which was concealed in shipping containers imported from Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries.
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 Melbourne.
“This is criminal activity. It’s illegal activity. This is one of the largest syndicates of tobacco importation in the country’s history,” Fontana told reporters here on Thursday.
– Bernama
