Detectives from the VIPER Taskforce executed warrants at 12 tobacco stores across Melbourne last week as part of the ongoing investigation by Taskforce Lunar into organised crime syndicates linked to the illicit tobacco trade.
Members of the taskforce were joined at the warrants from 7-11 April by representatives from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), who also executed warrants at the stores.
The stores, which police will allege are linked to two of the organised crime syndicates involved, were located in Altona Meadows, Truganina, Craigieburn, Broadmeadows, Tullamarine, Mill Park, Bundoora, Weir Views, Watsonia, Altona North, Prahran and Hawthorn,
As a result, the following was seized:
• 14,593 e-cigarettes (vapes) with a street value of over $729,650 profit,
• 681,368 cigarettes representing $953,915 excise avoided,
• Over 305kg of loose-leaf tobacco worth $650,388 excise avoided,
• Over $22,500 in cash, and
• Three conducted electricity devices and one baton.
Fourteen people were arrested and interviewed in relation to the offences of possess tobacco and possess proceeds of crime. They are expected to be charged on summons.
Detectives from the VIPER Taskforce ran the same operation from 21 November - 2 December, 2024, executing 16 search warrants across regional and metropolitan Melbourne, seizing the following:
• 582,335 cigarettes representing $791,975 excise avoided,
• Over 745 kg of loose-leaf tobacco, worth $1,565,907 excise avoided,
• Over 131,000 in cash, and
• Over 3,400 e-cigarettes (vapes) with a street value of over $170,000 profit.
Victoria Police continues to support local councils and the Victorian Department of Health who have responsibility for tobacco and vape enforcement and compliance.
Detectives continue to work alongside external agencies such as the ABF, AFP, TGA, ATO and interstate counterparts.
Investigators continue to appeal to anyone, especially store owners and staff, who have information about these incidents and who is responsible to come forward.
Anyone with information about these incidents or with further information about serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Justin Shields, VIPER Taskforce:
"The warrants this week in support of the Taskforce Lunar investigation into the operation of these crime syndicates are a strong demonstration of state and Commonwealth agencies coming together to target the issue of illicit tobacco in every way possible.
"We have been clear that this is no longer about simply the investigation of the individual incidents - this is about doing absolutely everything we can to deter, disrupt and dismantle these syndicates and those at the helm of them.
"This includes the targeting of anyone across Victoria who is involved in the distribution and sale of illicit tobacco, at any level. Ultimately, this is contributing to enabling those organised crime syndicates to operate here in Victoria.
"While people's lives remain at risk due to this heightened criminal activity, we will continue to target these organise crime syndicates and do everything we can to hold them accountable."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner, Jade Hawkins, Australian Taxation Office:
"These arrests and the seizure of illicit tobacco products demonstrate the ATO's ongoing commitment to supporting our partners in removing it from the community while creating a level playing field for legitimate businesses.
"We'll continue to work with our partners to detect, disrupt and dismantle the organised crime syndicates who are using profits from selling illicit tobacco to fund other serious illegal activities. By doing this, it ensures there will be financial and criminal implications for those who are involved."
