General News
16 August, 2024
Cigarettes, vapes seized
Some 21,000 illicit cigarettes, loose-leaf tobacco and over 400 vapes were seized in the raid.
A 24-year-old Maryborough man has been arrested after police raided a local illicit tobacco store on Wednesday.
Illegal goods worth nearly $50,000 were seized from a store inside the Goldfields Shopping Centre.
Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) detectives confiscated more than 21,000 illicit cigarettes, loose-leaf tobacco with a street value of about $25,000 and over 400 illegal vapes with a street value of approximately $20,000.
According to police, the total lost revenue for the government for the illegal import of these goods, is estimated to be $78,531 in tax avoidance.
This latest crack down on illicit products, Central Goldfields CIU Detective Sergeant Steve Atkinson said, was possible due to information received from the public.
“It’s not [connected to a crime syndicate],” he said.
“We had multiple people complain about the business — that’s why we acted on it.”
Det Sgt Atkinson also urged residents to be careful when making certain purchases.
“It’s a reminder to the public that the sale of [illicit] tobacco products and vapes, is illegal,” he said.
“Keep that in mind when trying to purchase these products.
“Also report suspicious behaviour if you [see any].”
The 24-year-old Maryborough man, arrested at the scene, is expected to be charged on summons to attend Maryborough Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
Anyone with information about illicit activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.