26/08/2024
Detectives from Campaspe Crime Investigation Unit have charged two men after seizing over $130,000 worth of illicit tobacco in Echuca yesterday.
The men were arrested by Echuca police after being spotted in a vehicle on Pakenham Street about 4.30am on Thursday, 22 August.
Officers searched the vehicle and a warrant was then executed on a Pakenham Street store and a Hare Street store.
A total of about 100,000 sticks of illicit tobacco, over 660 vapes, approximately 8kg of loose tobacco and $20,000 cash was seized as part of the investigation.
A 25-year-old Tarneit man and a 50-year-old Pakenham man were arrested and interviewed by police.
The pair were subsequently charged with tobacco related offences under the Customs Act 1901 (Commonwealth).
They were bailed to appear at Echuca Magistrates’ Court on 10 December.
The investigation remains ongoing. For further information on this story, please click here.