Around 60,000 illegal vapes with an estimated street value of more than $1.8 million and over $835,000 in cash have been seized in Brisbane this week.
Eight million cigarettes and about 3.7 tonnes of loose-leaf tobacco worth more than $14 million were also seized in the multi-agency raids, which were carried out at 15 locations across south-east Queensland.
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Evidence obtained during the investigation allegedly involved a Logan man selling and distributing illegal vape and tobacco products to retail stores across Queensland.
A 37-year-old has since been charged with 58 offences, including fraud, false declarations and assaulting a police officer.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
The operation was part of a multi-agency crime investigation into money laundering and illegal tobacco and nicotine products in Queensland.
Evidence obtained during the investigation allegedly involved a Logan man selling and distributing illegal vape and tobacco products to retail stores across Queensland.
“This result is an example of how a unified investigation can take illicit products off our streets and put alleged offenders before the court,” Detective Acting Inspector Russell Joyce from the Queensland Police Organised Crime Squad said.
Australian Border Force Commander Special Investigations Penny Spies said multi-agency collaboration was vital to dismantling alleged crime syndicates.
“The ABF will continue to work very closely with domestic and international agencies to combat illicit tobacco networks, all of which pose a serious threat to the health and safety of our community,” she said.
Penalties for illegal supply of unapproved therapeutic goods include up to five years in prison and fines of up to $1.25 million.
The original article contains 523 words, the summary contains 154 words. Saved 71%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
You could say that illegal business venture went up in smoke.
