Authorities say they have dismantled a large-scale illicit tobacco syndicate operating in south-east Queensland, seizing nearly 3 million illegal cigarettes and 380 kilograms of the drug.
The Australian Border Force executed 11 search warrants across the Gold Coast, Tweed Heads and Coffs Harbour
In total, 11 search warrants were executed across the Gold Coast, Tweed Heads and Coffs Harbour as part of the multi-agency crackdown dubbed Operation Harvest Home. "Primarily in areas like China and Malaysia, but also from the Middle East and then it's distributed domestically," she explained. "From our perspective, it's a fact that they're not paying duty on those cigarettes when they're brought across the border, they're not paying the tax that is owed and they're making a profit, these are organised crime groups that are profiting from the illegal sale of illicit tobacco," Commander Spies said.'Not simply a financial game'
"We know that a 10 per cent increase, for example, in the price of [legal] tobacco leads to about a 4 per cent reduction in consumption. However, the Border Force has new powers to seize empty cigarette boxes that are illegally using Cancer Council's Quitline trademark.A loophole that made it legal to import empty cigarette packets, provided they carried the Quitline logo, was recently shut down.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Highly engaged’: Meet the happiest public servants in QueenslandStaff in this department feel “energised” by work, but also complain the most about long hours. Meanwhile, an expert shares tips for work happiness – and bean bags aren’t the answer.
Read more »
Brisbane company’s Netflix deal shows Queensland can compete with the big boysThe post-production company has chalked up another win, striking a deal to work on a live-action adaptation of a popular anime series.
Read more »
Teen charged after police track stolen car across Perth7NEWS: Police charge teen driver in Currambine after tracking stolen car through Perth suburbs
Read more »
‘It’s massive’: Clash of bitter state rivals to kick off Reds’ 2024 season in BrisbaneIn what is sure to see a big turnout, Queensland will host NSW at Suncorp Stadium in the opening round of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Read more »
Could artificial intelligence help solve the world's hunger problem?Queensland scientists say artificial intelligence can play a role in feeding the world by helping farmers produce more sustainable and profitable plants.
Read more »
Nathaniel Train's border breach with weapons cache a key part of coroner's probe into Wieambilla killingsPolice had said a border breach by gun-carrying teacher Nathaniel Train did not make him a threat, but documents obtained by the ABC reveal it is a key part of an investigation into his role as a cop killer.
Read more »