A man has been arrested at a Newcomb tobacco store as part of an ongoing investigation into an illegal tobacco crime syndicate allegedly operating locally and in Melbourne.
The 41-year-old Tarneit man was arrested on Thursday as police executed search warrant at the Newcomb store and another Corio outlet.
He’s the ninth person to be charged this week in relation to the same crime syndicate, with the man charged with the Commonwealth offence of support a criminal organisation and illicit tobacco offences.
Police also seized over 12,000 illicit cigarettes, over 100 vapes and a quantity of cash were seized from the Newcomb store.
Meanwhile investigators say at least 68,000 illicit cigarettes and a quantity of cash were seized from the Corio business.
Thursday’s arrest follows several arrests and dozens of searches earlier this week across Geelong and Wyndham, with a 50-year-old Grovedale woman among those charged on Tuesday.
It’s alleged the crime syndicate has been operating stores locally under the guise as legitimate gifts and confectionary stores, while selling only illicit tobacco and related products.
Investigators continue to appeal to anyone, especially store owners and staff, who have information about these incidents and who is responsible to come forward.
Anyone with information about these incidents or with further information about serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
