Victorian man arranged for importation and movement of illicit tobacco from the Middle East.

​A man who orchestrated a huge importation of illegal tobacco from the Middle East to Melbourne has been sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison.

The ABF launched an investigation after a large haul of illegal cigarettes and tobacco was detected at the Melbourne container examination facility on 5 October 2020.

The goods had been declared as vacuum cleaners, spanners, fan parts, pliers and measuring instruments and arrived from the Middle East.

ABF officers selected the consignment for an x-ray and physical inspection. Upon opening the container a strong tobacco smell was immediately noticed by the officers.

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