Detectives from Melton Crime Investigation Unit expect to charge a man and a woman after seizing 362 bottles of high value spirits, 253 cartons of illicit cigarettes and 728 illicit vapes.
Police executed three search warrants on Monday, 7 January as part of an investigation into a syndicate allegedly responsible for stealing and reselling high-end liquor from legitimate businesses.
Investigators allege the syndicate has stolen more than $500,000 worth of liquor over the past 12 months.
Search warrants were executed at the following locations:
• A Bonnie Brook residential address
• A Rockbank business licensed to sell alcohol
• A Craigieburn business licensed to sell alcohol
A 37-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman, both from Bonnie Brook, were arrested at the residential address.
Police seized the following items from the three locations:
• 362 bottles of spirits, valued at more than $36,000
• 253 cartons of illicit cigarettes
• 728 illicit vapes
• a quantity of cash
The man and woman were interviewed and are expected to be charged on summons with a range of offences including knowingly deal with property being proceeds of crime and handle stolen goods.
In addition to this, the pair were expected to be charged with Commonwealth offences of dishonestly cause risk of loss, possess tobacco products knowingly imported to defraud revenue and knowingly possess prohibited imports.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on illicit cigarette, liquor and/or vape activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
