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The action as part of Operation Junglevine2 saw $4.4 million in illicit tobacco eliminated.
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ATO destroys 26,670kg of illicit tobacco in rural NSW operation
17 May 2023
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9 minute read
The ATO has assisted in the seizure of an illicit tobacco haul of almost 26,670kg in the rural NSW town of Braidwood.
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The seized illicit tobacco from the raid stopped an estimated excise forgone value of more than $4.4 million along with a tobacco shredding machine.
It was the third major raid conducted by Operation Junglevine2, a joint force involving officers from the ATO, ABF and both federal and state police, which had previously seized 240,000kgs of illicit tobacco from raids in Murga and Binnaway, NSW.
ATO assistant commissioner Jade Hawkins said the raid should be seen as a warning to anyone involved or considering participating in the illicit tobacco trade.
“Detecting and disrupting these illicit tobacco crops has required the close collaboration of law enforcement agencies at all levels of government,” said Ms Hawkins.
“Activities under Operation Junglevine2 have so far destroyed illicit tobacco with a combined potential value of more than $44 million. This puts a significant dent in the illicit tobacco profits that organised criminals use to fund their criminal behaviour and other nefarious activities.”
“These criminals take vital funding away from essential community services such as healthcare, education and infrastructure.”
Operation Junglevine2 was a combined effort by the ABF-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce (ITTF), the ATO and Operation Phobetor, which comprises detectives from NSW Police, the AFP and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
Commander of Operation Phobetor detective acting superintendent Glyn Baker was pleased by the work of investigators in its crackdown on large-scale illicit plantations.
“By removing these tobacco crops, we are also removing any profits that could potentially be funnelled into use for organised crime networks,” said Mr Baker.
“Together with our partner agencies, our dedicated investigators will continue to target and disrupt criminal syndicates – no matter where they think they can hide.”
ABF commander Penelope Spies said the third seizure as part of Operation Junglevine2 displayed the ITTF’s commitment to eliminating illegal tobacco.
“The ABF and our partner law enforcement agencies have highly skilled officers with access to specialised technology focused on disrupting this criminal activity both within Australia and its border,” she said.
“This result is the culmination of several months of investigations between ITTF, ATO and NSW Police.”
“The continued destruction of crops illustrates our message; we will disrupt and dismantle the illicit tobacco market.”
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