Officers from the VIPER Taskforce have charged a man overnight as part of an investigation into the alleged sale of illicit tobacco in Victoria.
A search warrant was executed at a tobacco store on Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn on Thursday morning.
A 30-year-old Mickleham man was interviewed by police and subsequently charged with traffick cannabis and possess proceeds of crime.
He was bailed to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on 8 March, 2024.
During the search, investigators located a large quantity of illicit tobacco, over 650 cartons of cigarettes, paper bags containing tobacco, a quantity of what appears to be cannabis and small quantities of cash and prescription medication.
The search follows the investigation into a series of arson attacks which is believed to be linked to the illicit tobacco trade in Victoria.
Investigators are looking into a range of motivations for these fires and links to a range of organised crime syndicates.
Police are also working closely with a range of state and federal agencies including the ABF and AFP as part of this investigation in order to disrupt the syndicates involved and hold those responsible for this offending to account.
Over the past few weeks, police have visited over 75 tobacco stores across Victoria in conjunction with the ABF to speak to store owners and staff and we will also be conducting reassurance patrols in the areas around affected stores.
The community, particularly tobacco store owners and staff, are a crucial part of our ability to stop these incidents before innocent people are killed or seriously injured.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
