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Hoppers Crossing Man Charged Following VIPER Taskforce Raids on Tobacco Stores and Residences in Major Statewide Crackdown.
In a significant development in the fight against illicit tobacco trade in Victoria, members of the VIPER Taskforce have taken decisive action, resulting in the charging of a man implicated in illegal commerce. This arrest follows a thorough investigation into the sale of unauthorized tobacco products within the region.
The operation saw the execution of three search warrants yesterday afternoon, targeting two tobacco outlets located in Korumburra and Highett, along with a residence in Hoppers Crossing. The raids were part of a broader effort to clamp down on the illicit tobacco market that has been linked to a series of arson attacks under investigation by VIPER and Taskforce Lunar.
A 48-year-old man from Hoppers Crossing was taken into custody following the searches. After an extensive interview, he was charged with multiple offences, including 16 counts of possessing tobacco products with the intention to defraud the government of excise duty, three counts of possessing a schedule 4 poison, and dealing with property suspected to be the proceeds of crime. The accused has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 18.
During the operation, authorities seized over 93,000 cigarettes with an excise duty value exceeding $232,000, more than $90,000 in cash, and a small number of e-cigarettes from the Hoppers Crossing residence. Additionally, significant quantities of illicit tobacco products were confiscated from the commercial establishments involved: nearly 30,000 cigarette sticks and about six kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco were recovered from a tobacconist on Commercial Street in Korumburra; and a further 20,000 cigarettes, along with various amounts of loose-leaf tobacco and e-cigarettes, were seized from a store on Highett Road in Highett.
This crackdown is part of a concerted effort by Victoria Police, in collaboration with state and federal agencies including the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), to dismantle the organized crime syndicates behind the illicit tobacco trade. The operation aims to disrupt these groups and bring those responsible for related criminal activities to justice.
Detective Inspector Craig Darlow of the VIPER Taskforce emphasized the importance of community involvement, particularly from tobacco store owners and employees, in preventing such criminal endeavours. He assured that the police are dedicated to eradicating the threats posed by the illicit tobacco trade and the associated arson attacks, which endanger lives and livelihoods.
Inspector Darlow urged anyone with information about illicit tobacco or related organized crime activities to come forward, assuring them that their contributions could be made anonymously and would play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation and prevention efforts.
