Highlights
- 660 kilograms of chewing and loose-leaf tobacco seized
- Five properties raided and a man arrested in South Australia
- 300 kilos of tobacco and half a million dollars seized in raids
ABF’s Illicit Tobacco Taskforce (ITTF) detected and seized 33 boxes containing more than 73 kilograms of chewing tobacco and 587 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco on April 14, 2020.
Following the seizure, officers from ABF Regional Investigations in South Australia arrested a man and carried out Custom Act warrants at five premises across South Australia.
Raids at two residences and three businesses resulted in a further seizure of approximately 300 kilograms of tobacco. More than half a million dollars was also seized along with a number of other evidential items.
ABF claimed the duty evaded on the attempted import is more than $848,000.
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Superintendent of the Illicit Tobacco Taskforce Leo Lahey said the arrest is a clear message about the ABF’s ability to detect illicit tobacco being imported and distributed.
“People often think they can send illicit goods through the border by hiding them in other legal goods. The ABF’s highly skilled officers, intelligence and sophisticated technology ensures illicit goods are detected and work towards prosecuting those responsible for these importations,” Superintendent Lahey said.
The maximum penalty for importing tobacco products with intent to defraud the Commonwealth Government of revenue is 10 years imprisonment.
The ABF said they were continuing their investigation into the matter.
Anyone with information on the importation of illicit tobacco is encouraged to contact the ABF’s Border Watch at www.abf.gov.au/borderwatch. Referrals to the ABF can be provided anonymously.
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