Source : Perth Now news
Victoria’s illicit tobacco trade has taken a major hit, with 61 shops shut in just four weeks under tough new powers aimed at businesses tied to organised crime.
Authorities have moved quickly since the laws changed in September, seizing millions of illegal cigarettes, tens of thousands of vapes and more than half a million dollars in cash as part of a statewide crackdown.
A wave of shop closures is sweeping across Victoria after new enforcement powers gave investigators the ability to shut businesses caught selling illicit tobacco for 90 days.
Since the powers took effect on September 9, the VIPER Taskforce and Tobacco Licensing Victoria have closed 61 stores alleged to be linked to organised crime.
Over the same period, they seized more than two million illicit cigarettes, more than 40,000 vapes, more than 120 kilograms of loose tobacco and over $500,000 in cash.
The operation has already reached Deer Park, Geelong, South Geelong, Corio, Thomson, Werribee, Colac, Forrest, Footscray and Lalor, with more visits planned across the state in coming weeks.
Under the new laws, any store found selling illicit tobacco can be hit with a 90-day closure notice.
A yellow sticker placed on the shopfront makes clear the business must stay shut, and it is an offence to remove the notice or reopen while the order is in place.
Investigators are focusing on tobacco shops allegedly linked to organised crime networks, including syndicates with leaders based offshore.
Detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad are also involved, targeting the money behind the trade and working to cut offending businesses out of the banking system.
Detective Inspector Anthony Gasparini said the illicit tobacco market is helping fuel broader criminal activity.
“Organised criminals are driven only by greed and have no regard for the harm they reap on individuals, families and our community. There is no doubt these profits derived from the sale of illicit tobacco would be used to fund further criminal activities,” Inspector Gasparini said.
He said authorities would keep turning up without warning, including after hours and on weekends.
“Alongside our partner agencies, we will continue removing their ill-gotten gains and dismantle their ability to create further opportunities to cause harm.
“We will deploy resources throughout the state at short notice including outside of business hours and on weekends. If you’re selling illicit tobacco, you can expect to see our VIPER members or our partner agencies come through your door.”
Tobacco Licensing Victoria chief operating officer Bree Oliver said the campaign was aimed at stamping out illegal operators and keeping pressure on the wider trade.
“This crackdown on illicit tobacco is shutting down illegitimate businesses across the state and bringing tough penalties to those who break the law,” Ms Oliver said.
“Tobacco Licensing Victoria continues to monitor and adapt, working closely with Victoria Police, broader law enforcement agencies and regulatory partners to share information and intelligence and target illicit tobacco.
“All our inspection and enforcement action is guided by intelligence, risk assessment and operational priorities.”
