General News
21 August, 2024
Horsham police seize $100K worth of illicit tobacco and vapes in raid
Horsham police seize 60,000 cigarettes, $5000 cash
Detectives from Horsham Crime Investigation Unit have uncovered illicit cigarettes, illegal vapes, tobacco and cash as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged sale of illicit tobacco in Victoria.
Search warrants were executed at three Horsham stores with officers seized almost 60,000 illicit cigarettes, almost 400 vapes, 10kg of loose leaf tobacco and more than $5000 cash.
More than 42,000 illicit cigarette sticks, sandwich bags filled with 1kg of loose leaf tobacco, at least 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 federal tobacco related offences.
He was bailed to appear at Horsham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
A second operation at a Roberts Avenue store resulted in the seizure of just under 10,000 illicit cigarettes, more than 70 vapes, at least 170 vape refills, loose leaf tobacco, and about $5,000 in cash.
A 53-year-old Horsham woman who was in the store at the time is expected to be charged on summons.
At a second Firebrace Street store, about 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 about $60,000 worth of illicit cigarette sticks, more than $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.
Meanwhile, Horsham Police have asked for the public's help with their investigation into a wallet theft that occurred on August 10, 2024, at a business in Horsham.
The theft occurred at the Cellarbrations store.
Police have provided the following images that may help with their investigations and urge anyone with information to contact them.
If you have information you are urged to contact the Horsham Police Station on 5382 9200 and quote incident number 25462536 or call Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.