The operation resulted in 14 arrests.
Last week, the VIPER Taskforce carried out a series of raids at 12 tobacco stores across Melbourne as part of Taskforce Lunar’s ongoing investigation into organised crime syndicates involved in the illicit tobacco trade.
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The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) representatives also participated in the operation. The targeted stores, allegedly linked to two of the crime syndicates under investigation, are located in Altona Meadows, Truganina, Craigieburn, Broadmeadows, Tullamarine, Mill Park, Bundoora, Weir Views, Watsonia, Altona North, Prahran, and Hawthorn.
The raids resulted in the seizure of 14,593 e-cigarettes (vapes) with a street value of over $729,650, 681,368 cigarettes equating to $953,915 in avoided excise, over 305kg of loose-leaf tobacco worth $650,388 in avoided excise, more than $22,500 in cash, three conducted electricity devices, and one baton. Fourteen individuals were arrested and questioned regarding possession of tobacco and proceeds of crime. Charges are expected to be forthcoming.
A similar operation was conducted by the VIPER Taskforce from 21 November to 2 December 2024, in which 16 search warrants were executed across regional and metropolitan Melbourne. This operation led to the seizure of 582,335 cigarettes, over 745 kg of loose-leaf tobacco, more than 131,000 in cash, and over 3,400 e-cigarettes.
Detective Acting Inspector Justin Shields of the VIPER Taskforce stated, “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.” He emphasized the goal is not just to investigate individual incidents, but to “deter, disrupt and dismantle these syndicates and those at the helm of them.”
Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins of the Australian Taxation Office added, “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.”
The investigation continues, with authorities urging anyone with information about these incidents or with further information about serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade to contact Crime Stoppers.
