A western Sydney man is expected to appear in Downing Centre Local Court today (28 March, 2025) following the discovery of an estimated $900,000 worth of vapes and illicit tobacco, along with $150,000 cash.
The AFP will allege the man, 36, received tobacco products on Wednesday (26 March, 2025), before storing the products at his Guildford West home.
When investigators executed a search warrant at his home yesterday (27 March, 2025), they seized:
- $150,000 in cash, found in a tin container under a bedroom cupboard;
- About 3300 vapes, estimated to be worth $150,000;
- About 8260 packets of cigarettes, estimated to be worth $289,000; and
- About 40kg of loose-leaf tobacco, estimated to be worth $40,000.
The man has been charged with four offences, being:
- One count of supplying vapes, contrary to section 41QB of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment.
- One count of possessing tobacco knowing the goods were imported to defraud revenue, contrary to section 233BABAD of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
- One count of recklessly deal with criminal proceeds, contrary to section 400.4(2A) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
- One count of contravene a section 3LA order, contrary to section 3LA(6) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
During the execution of the search warrant, another man parked a truck in front of the home. He allegedly tried to leave after seeing police and was stopped.
Investigators searched the truck and found 9360 vapes, estimated to be worth $421,000.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Luke Needham said the AFP was committed to bringing to justice any criminal who sought to profit at the expense of the Australian community.
"The AFP is dedicated to disrupting and dismantling serious organised crime networks operating in Australia, as part of our commitment to protect Australians from the criminal element of society," Det a/Supt Needham said.
"Illicit tobacco not only can present a significant health risk to Australian communities but can also fund the lavish lifestyles of organised crime networks and support other serious criminal activities.
"To criminals who wish to put at risk Australia's way of life for their own gain - the AFP is ready to act and disrupt your criminal activities, along with our law enforcement partners."
The investigation is ongoing.
