Cops seize 200,000 cigarettes, 16,000 vapes and 150kg of tobacco during raids on illegal drug ring
More than 200,000 cigarettes, 16,000 vapes and 150kg of loose tobacco have been seized in raids linked to a multi-million dollar illegal tobacco trafficking ring.
The huge haul of tobacco products came from six police operations in the South West, Mid-West and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia.
Four raids on commercial and residential properties in Bunbury and Manjimup on Thursday found 192,450 cigarettes, 130kg of loose tobacco, 16,085 e-cigarettes and $34,950 in cash.
A further 27,000 cigarettes, 32kg of tobacco and $21,000 in cash were seized during a raid on two retail and residential properties in the Geraldton area on June 27.
More than 200,000 cigarettes, 16,000 vapes and 150kg of loose tobacco have been seized in raids linked to a multi-million dollar illegal tobacco trafficking ring
The massive haul of tobacco products came as a result of six police operations in the South West, Mid-West and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia (pictured are some of the 16,000 vapes seized)
Police did not announce whether any arrests have been made in connection with the raids, but said the investigation is ongoing.
The case comes amid an illegal battle to mobilise tobacco companies in Victoria, where 60 arsons have been committed on businesses in the past 15 months.
According to the police, the firebombs are related to a conflict between criminal gangs.
The Australian Tax Office and Victoria Police confirmed last week that 3.3 tonnes of tobacco, more than $170,000 in cash and 11 firearms had been seized as part of a joint investigation into the black market.