General News
18 February, 2025
Woman charged and illicit tobacco seized in Horsham on February 17
A warrant was executed at a Firebrace Street store on February 17.
Police from the VIPER Taskforce have charged a woman and seized illicit tobacco and cash as part of an investigation into the sale of illicit tobacco in regional Victoria.
A warrant was executed at a Firebrace Street store on Monday, February 17.
"These organised crime syndicates survive through recruiting people at all levels to carry out their offending - this includes people staffing stores involved in the illicit tobacco trade," Detective Inspector of VIPER Taskforce Craig Darlow said.
"VIPER will continue to focus on these groups and ensure anyone involved at any level is held to account for their criminality."
More than 12,000 illicit cigarette sticks, 2.5kg of illicit loose-leaf tobacco, 135 e-cigarettes and about $10,000 cash were seized from the premises.
A 23-year-old Stawell woman working in the store at the time was arrested and charged with tobacco-related offences.
She was bailed to appear at Horsham Magistrates' Court on March 17.
Police will allege that the store is connected to an organised crime syndicate involved in the sale of illicit tobacco.
In August last year, detectives from VIPER Taskforce and Horsham Crime Investigation Unit executed a warrant at the same business and seized 42,000 illicit cigarette sticks, sandwich bags filled with 1kg of loose leaf tobacco, more than 300 vapes and cash.
"I'd like to remind people again that when they walk into these stores and buy products, they are also putting money directly into the hands of criminals who then use it to fund serious and violent offending," Mr Darlow said.
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