Police intercepted a New South Wales registered semi-trailer at the Queensland – New South Wales border checkpoint at Coolangatta yesterday, locating a large quantity of illicit tobacco and tobacco related products.
Officers from the Crime and Intelligence Command, Major and Organised Crime Squad – South East Region (MOCS SER), stopped and searched the vehicle after it crossed into Queensland at Coolangatta.
As a result of the search police located illicit tobacco and tobacco related products, with an estimated value of $600,000.
A 59-year-old man has been questioned and investigations are continuing.
Detective Acting Inspector Ian Galpin said illicit tobacco is an attractive market for organised crime syndicates and profits are often used to fund their criminal behaviour.
"As well as funding organised crime syndicates, the avoidance of tobacco duty means the community misses out on revenue that contributes to infrastructure and other services such as health.
"We have ramped up our border compliance measures and are intercepting every vehicle to ensure they are complying with the CHO's border restrictions direction.
"Police will remain vigilant to disrupt any criminal activity observed at the borders," Acting Detective Inspector Galpin said.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
