Delivery drivers arrested in multimillion-dollar tobacco bust
Two delivery drivers have been arrested in Sydney over their alleged role in a criminal syndicate.
The two men are alleged to have abused their position as delivery drivers to enable the importation and distribution of illicit tobacco products.
The Australian Border Force released details about the August 28 arrests today.
ABF officers also carried out 37 search warrants across Silverwater, Hillsdale, Prestons, Botany, Enfield and East Gardens on August 28 and 29.
During the two-day blitz, officers seized 1.5 million illicit cigarettes with an evaded duty value of over $1.7 million, 1.2 tonnes of molasses tobacco with an evaded duty value of almost $1.9 million, as well as more than $300,000 in cash.
A number of electronic devices were also located which will be subject to further investigation.
The two men were refused bail and will return to court this Wednesday, September 13.
“Illicit tobacco profits are often linked to drug trafficking and money laundering, further lining the pockets of criminal syndicates while our communities struggle through cost of living pressures,” ABF Commander Raef McDonough said.
