A major operation targeting organised crime groups importing and selling illicit tobacco in North Queensland has resulted in $12.5 million worth of illicit tobacco and vapes being removed from the community.
Between March 3 and 13, Australian Border Force, Queensland Health, Queensland Police and the Australian Federal Police executed several warrants across Jubilee Pocket and Townsville as part of Operation BEAR and BEAR-CUB.
Across the six days, authorities seized more than 5.89 million illicit cigarettes, over 1.2 tonne of loose-leaf tobacco and more than 18,800 vapes.
It’s estimated the seized good have a combined value of approximately $12.5 million.
The first search warrant was at four storage units in Jubilee Pocket where officers seized over 479,800 cigarette and 267 cigars.
Authorities then searched 13 locations in Townsville, including residential premises, storage sheds and a warehouse.
During the warrants officers seized more than 2.5 million illicit cigarettes, 50 kg loose-leaf tobacco and 8,000 vapes.
Police also seized approximately $300,000 in cash and a large quantity of mobile devices believed to contain evidence relating to money laundering activities and further illicit importations.
More storage units were then searched in Garbutt, where 2.5 million cigarettes, approximately 1,170kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 10,880 vapes and 390 nicotine pouches were seized.
Police also noticed a suspicious van parked on the street in front of the premise with tobacco products sighted inside the vehicle.
A search of the van uncovered a further 420,000 cigarettes.
Investigations remain ongoing.
