General News
23 August, 2024
Tobacco seized in city raids
Horsham police have seized almost 60,000 illicit cigarettes and 400 vapes in morning raids on three tobacco stores on Tuesday.
Uniformed police and detectives from Horsham Crime Investigation Unit raided two stores in Firebrace Street and one in Roberts Avenue, seizing a further 10kg of loose leaf tobacco and over $5000 in cash as part of an investigation into the growing illicit tobacco trade in Victoria.
More than 42,000 illicit cigarette sticks, sandwich bags filled with 1kg of loose leaf tobacco, over 300 vapes and cash were seized from a Firebrace Street store.
A 36-year-old Black Ridge man in the store at the time was arrested and charged with tobacco related offences.
He was bailed to appear at Horsham Magistrates’ Court.
Just under 10,000 illicit cigarettes, over 70 vapes, at least 170 vape refills, loose leaf tobacco and approximately $5000 cash were seized from a Roberts Avenue store.
A 53-year-old Horsham woman inside the store at the time is expected to be charged on summons.
At a second Firebrace Street store, a further 6300 sticks of illicit tobacco and almost 10kg of loose leaf tobacco were seized.
A 50-year-old Dimboola woman inside the store at the time is expected to be charged on summons.
The street value of the products seized is approximately $60,000 worth of illicit cigarette sticks, over $27,000 worth of vapes and at least $16,000 worth of loose-leaf tobacco.
Anyone with information on illicit tobacco activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au