More than 455,000 illicit cigarettes have been seized as part of a series of raids on Canberra retailers, led by the ACT government and Australian Border Force.
The operation, which is understood to have happened over the past week, also resulted in the seizure of 26 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, 6,000 cigars, cash, and more than 1,600 vapes.
Six Canberra retail outlets were inspected as part of the operation targeting Australia’s illicit tobacco trade, which is estimated to be worth about $10 billion.
“We have seen concern in our community and a link between illicit tobacco, illicit vapes and organised crime,” ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said.
“[And] also concerns from legitimate local businesses who are being undercut and undermined by this illegal activity.”
The territory’s raids were assisted by ACT Policing.
“Our criminal assets people were there to support Access Canberra in terms of the seizure of a quantity of money,” ACT Policing Chief Police Officer Scott Lee said.
ACT Chief Police Officer Scott Lee said they assisted Access Canberra with seizing money. (ABC News: Donal Sheil)
Approximately $27,000 in cash was seized, while the raids identified six persons of interest with known links to the illicit tobacco trade.
“I think it shows the benefit of this type of action,” Deputy Commissioner Lee said.
“It’s certainly something that we are talking to Access Canberra about around future activity in the ACT to deter these stores.”Raids ramp up nationally
Access Canberra officers, ACT Policing and the Therapeutic Goods Administration worked with Australian Border Force on the operation, which involved “sustained planning and preparation over a number of months,” according to an ACT government statement.
It reflects a nationwide focus.
In October last year, Australian Border Force announced an Illicit Tobacco National Disruption Group to target mid-level crime.
More than 455,000 illicit cigarettes were recovered by authorities at six Canberra retailers. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)
And more recently, the Federal government escalated its fight against the booming illicit tobacco and vape trade with tougher penalties, new offences and expanded police powers.
The Commonwealth has been urging the states and territories to try to shut illegal shopfronts to try to stem the profits of criminal syndicates.
Last week, 23 retailers on the New South Wales Central Coast were closed for 90 days as part of similar operations.
In that series of raids, NSW Health, NSW Police and Australian Border Force seized 836,000 illicit cigarettes, 120kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 5,200 illicit vapes, and 800 nicotine pouches.
Josh Rynehart says the operation is the largest seizure of illicit tobacco in Canberra he can recall. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)
Operation was months in the making
The large illicit tobacco haul in Canberra is part of an operation that has been in planning since the end of last year, and further raids are expected in the future.
ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading Josh Rynehart said authorities had been preparing the raids for months with input from the public.
“We’d been working on a program for a number of months. We have received a number of complaints and information from the public and we welcome that,” Mr Rynehart said.
He said retailers in Canberra should expect authorities to remain active in the coming months, describing the illicit tobacco seizures as the largest he could remember.
“Retailers can expect that we will continue to be out there in the coming months,” Mr Rynehart said.
“This is the largest seizure of illicit tobacco that I can recall.”