Hoppers Crossing Man Charged After $130k Illicit Tobacco Seized in Echuca and Kyabram Bust.
Three individuals, including a Hoppers Crossing man, have been charged by the Campase Crime Investigation Unit detectives after authorities seized over $130,000 worth of illicit tobacco in Echuca and Kyabram yesterday.
According to police, search warrants were executed at shops located on Pakenham Street and Hare Street in Echuca, as well as on Allen Street in Kyabram. These shops were suspected of selling illegal tobacco products.
As a result of the investigation, approximately 86,000 sticks of illicit tobacco, 680 vapes, and 36kg of loose tobacco were confiscated.
A 24-year-old man from Hoppers Crossing has been charged with two counts of possessing tobacco products with intent to defraud the revenue, as well as dealing with property suspected to be the proceeds of crime. Similarly, a 73-year-old man from Roxburgh Park has been charged with the same offenses, along with possessing a schedule 4 poison and advertising e-cigarettes. Both individuals have been bailed and are expected to appear at Echuca Magistrates’ Court on December 10th, 2024.
In addition, a 60-year-old woman from Echuca has also been charged with two counts of possessing tobacco products with intent to defraud the revenue and dealing with property suspected to be the proceeds of crime. She has been bailed and is scheduled to appear at Echuca Magistrates’ Court on November 12th, 2024.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on illicit tobacco activity to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
