More than 285,000 illegal cigarettes and 2000 disposable vapes have been seized in raids in Canberra.
In a joint investigation, the Australian Border Force (ABF) and ACT Policing executed search warrants at a home in Narrabundah and commercial properties in Holt and Belconnen on Wednesday.
Officers seized 285,000 cigarettes, 2000 vapes, 100kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 100 nicotine pouches and $14,000 in cash across the three properties.
The haul has an estimated value of $553,632.
Superintendent Sasha Barclay from the ABF’s Illicit Tobacco Taskforce said the operation disrupted an alleged major supplier in the illicit tobacco market.
“ABF officers across the country are stopping millions of sticks of tobacco at the border every single day,” Barclay said.
“In stopping these shipments at the border, we must also dismantle the business models which are allowing this ‘under the counter’ practice to flourish.
“The illicit tobacco market will continue whilst there is a demand for it – and it’s the criminal syndicates who are exploiting this market to further fund their illicit activities.”
A 44-year-old man was arrested at the Holt business and was charged with one count of hindering a Commonwealth public official.
He was granted bail and will appear in court on June 27.
Investigations are ongoing.