More than 130 tonnes of illicit tobacco was seized and destroyed by the Australian Taxation Office this year, with the single largest seizure in Lake Bolac seeing approximately $36.6 million worth of tobacco destroyed.
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ATO officers, with the help of Victoria Police and Australian Border Force, executed five search warrants in regional Victoria in the 2019-20 financial year, uncovering more than 76 acres of tobacco.
The Lake Bolac bust in March this year, saw officers locate 31.4 acres of tobacco, weighing approximately 28 tonnes.
A search at Nhill in early March this year revealed nearly 6 tonnes of illicit tobacco, worth approximately $7.7 million. More than 4.5 tonnes of tobacco was also discovered at Landsborough, worth an estimated $6 million.
ATO assistant commissioner Ian Read said the body was committed to disrupting organised crime syndicates who take advantage of rural communities.
Matt Currill
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
