02/04/2025
Illicit tobacco operations are not run by genuine farmers but by organised crime syndicates. These activities divert vital funds from the community and place them into the hands of criminals, who use the profits to fund other serious crimes.
By staying informed and vigilant, everyone can play their part in keeping the community safe and ensuring a level playing field for legitimate businesses.
With the tobacco growing season well underway, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is urging the community to be aware of signs that illicit tobacco is being grown, and report it to us.
How to spot a tobacco plant
Ever wondered if the plant you’re staring at in a field is a tobacco plant or perhaps a type of vegetable? Here’s how to tell:
- Height: A tobacco plant typically stands tall at around 2.5 metres.
- Leaves and resemblance: Look for large, green leaves that might remind you of kale, cabbage, or even corn.
- Flowers: Tobacco plants feature long, trumpet-shaped flowers that are pinkish-white.
Next time you see a plant that fits this description, you might just be looking at a tobacco plant.
How to spot illicit tobacco activity
Ever wondered if there’s a secret tobacco operation happening right under your nose? Here are some telltale signs that might suggest the presence of illicit tobacco activity in your community:
- Construction activities along creeks and rivers on private and public land.
- Unexplained and potentially unlawful use of water resources.
- Vans without markings constantly being loaded with cardboard boxes, potentially at odd hours of the day and night.
- Excessive security measures such as cameras, locks or guards, in seemingly ordinary farms or shops.
- The sound of machinery running overnight.
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