Raids on rural properties uncovered over $31 million worth of illegal tobacco

Over $31 million worth of illicit tobacco has been seized from two properties in northern Victoria.
Highlights:The ATO and Victoria Police have seized and destroyed approximately 16.5 hectares of illicit tobacco at two properties in rural VictoriaTobacco crops are worth an estimated over $31millionThe raids were carried out at properties in Nathalia and Katunga following a whistleblower by a member of the community
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO), with the assistance of the police from Victoria, conducted searches of properties in Nathalia on Tuesday and Katunga on Wednesday following a tip-off from a concerned community member.
During the search of the property of Nathalia, officers found over 14 hectares of illicit tobacco crops worth an estimated $25 million.
A property in Katunga was also raided and 2 .5 hectares of tobacco crops, worth an estimated $6 million, were uncovered p ar agents.
ATO Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins said the raids were successful in disrupting the operations of organized criminals.
"The organized criminals are using small growers and farmers to grow illicit tobacco for their network,” Ms Hawkins said.
The Australian Revenue Service says illicit tobacco found in properties is worth over $31 million. (Supplied: ATO)
Since January last year, almost 50 hectares of illegal tobacco crops have been seized and destroyed in rural Victoria.
< p class="_39n3n">Ms Hawkins said people in the community are one of the best sources of intelligence they have to help stop criminal activity.
"Community members who notice unusual farm work, earthworks along streams or riverbeds, and large leafy crops that look like kale, cabbage, or corn can report it anonymously to the 'ATO,' she said.
Those convicted of growing, selling or possessing illicit tobacco can face up to 10 years in prison and face fined at least $412,500.
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Agrotech Feb 24, 2023 0 48 Add to Reading List

Raids on rural properties uncovered over $31 million worth of illegal tobacco

Over $31 million worth of illicit tobacco has been seized from two properties in northern Victoria.

Highlights:The ATO and Victoria Police have seized and destroyed approximately 16.5 hectares of illicit tobacco at two properties in rural VictoriaTobacco crops are worth an estimated over $31millionThe raids were carried out at properties in Nathalia and Katunga following a whistleblower by a member of the community

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO), with the assistance of the police from Victoria, conducted searches of properties in Nathalia on Tuesday and Katunga on Wednesday following a tip-off from a concerned community member.

During the search of the property of Nathalia, officers found over 14 hectares of illicit tobacco crops worth an estimated $25 million.

A property in Katunga was also raided and 2 .5 hectares of tobacco crops, worth an estimated $6 million, were uncovered p ar agents.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins said the raids were successful in disrupting the operations of organized criminals.

"The organized criminals are using small growers and farmers to grow illicit tobacco for their network,” Ms Hawkins said.

Since January last year, almost 50 hectares of illegal tobacco crops have been seized and destroyed in rural Victoria.

< p class="_39n3n">Ms Hawkins said people in the community are one of the best sources of intelligence they have to help stop criminal activity.

"Community members who notice unusual farm work, earthworks along streams or riverbeds, and large leafy crops that look like kale, cabbage, or corn can report it anonymously to the 'ATO,' she said.

Those convicted of growing, selling or possessing illicit tobacco can face up to 10 years in prison and face fined at least $412,500.

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