Financial Crimes Squad's Arson Unit detectives have charged a man following investigation into illicit tobacco and organised criminal activity under Strike Force Barbalin.
Strike Force Barbalin was established in June 2025 by State Crime Command's Financial Crimes Squad Arson Unit to investigate a number of arson attacks targeting a tobacconist in Mt Pritchard.
Over the course of the investigation, strike force detectives identified a large-scale illicit tobacco enterprise allegedly operating from a tobacconist in Mt Pritchard.
A 53-year-old man has since been charged and remain before the courts.
Following inquiries, about 10am yesterday (Thursday 7 March 2026), strike force detectives executed a search warrant at an address in Mount Pritchard, seizing a large quantity of illicit tobacco.
A 28-year-old man was arrested and taken to Cabramatta Police Station, where he was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, possess tobacco 50x or more commercial quantity and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal.
He was refused bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court today (Friday 8 May 2026).
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
