Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have this morning arrested a man and seized almost 200,000 illicit cigarettes and 255kg of looseleaf tobacco as part of a targeted investigation into an organised crime syndicate involved in the sale and distribution of illicit tobacco.
With assistance from the VIPER Taskforce, a warrant was executed early this morning at a residential address in Craigieburn.
Police had received intelligence to suggest the property was being used to store, sell and package illicit tobacco.
A 38-year-old Craigieburn man inside the premises at the time was arrested.
He was interviewed by police and has subsequently been released pending further enquiries.
Investigators seized over 196,000 illicit cigarettes, over 255kg of looseleaf tobacco, a cash counting machine, a small quantity of what appears to be cocaine, over 70 vials of what is believed to be steroids and two boxes of vapes.
The investigation, which commenced earlier this year, relates to who police believe are associates of a key criminal syndicate involved in the illicit tobacco trade.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
