A woman has been charged after police seized thousands of items that were allegedly being sold illegally, including counterfeit cigarettes and vapes.
Corio Police executed a search warrant at a Corio retail store on Thursday 6 July, and seized the following items:
• 78,160 individual cigarettes in packs of 20
• 7,300 counterfeit cigarettes
• 4,913 vapes
• 24 bongs
The total amount seized is estimated to be valued at more than $177,000.
Following the search warrant, a 42-year-old woman from Bell Post Hill was arrested and faces several charges including:
• Sell or supply poisons-controlled substance without authorisation or licence
• Advertise and supply poison and controlled substance for sale
• Knowingly possess excisable tobacco
• Display cannabis water pipe, bong component or bong kit in a retail outlet
She was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on 1 September.
The Tobacco Act 1987 regulates vape products and accessories regardless of whether they contain nicotine.
It prohibits sale to people aged under 18 years, bans the use of vapes in areas where smoking is banned and restricts the advertising and display of these products, regardless of whether they contain nicotine.
Police urge anyone with information on suspicious activity is asked to contact your local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by submitting an anonymous report online.
