More than eighty arrests have been made during the first year of Taskforce Lunar, targeting organised crime and the illicit tobacco trade.
There’ve been more than 100-arson attacks on tobacco shops across Victoria since October last year.
A store on Mildura’s Lime Avenue was targeted in June this year, with two people arrested and charged.
Detectives, along with the assistance of other state, territory and national partners have executed over 200 search warrants of tobacco stores around Victoria, suspected of selling illicit tobacco and vapes.
These warrants have resulted in the seizure of cash, illicit tobacco and vapes with the total value in excess of $37 million, as well 19 firearms, including seven handguns.
Investigators continue to appeal to anyone, especially store owners and staff, who has information about these incidents and who is responsible to come forward.
Anyone with information about these incidents or with further information about illicit tobacco and serious organised crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/cigarette-broken-unhealthy-smoking-3112660/