Largest vape haul in Australian history linked to organised crime
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Almost 500,000 vapes have been seized by police in the largest operation in Australian history. Police discovered the vapes on April 17 following a tip-off that identified a property in West Melbourne was being used by an organised crime syndicate for the trafficking of illicit tobacco products. Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O'Brien said the estimated street value of the vapes was $15 million. "Over the past 12 months in Victoria we have seen the illicit tobacco market become a significant driver of organised crime groups, with an array of serious and violent offending taking place as these groups fight over profit," O'Brien said. "Taskforce Lunar was established back in October last year and has worked closely with a range of specialist units including the VIPER Taskforce to target these organised crime groups. "We have seen almost 100 people arrested in connection to illicit tobacco as well as multiple large-scale seizures of illegally imported product." Police arrested six men at the commercial address, including two 20-year-old Melbourne men, a 37-year-old Point Cook man, a 31-year-old Southbank man, a 33-year-old Adelaide man and a 24-year-old man of no fixed place of address. All six were interviewed and released pending further enquiries. "While the investigation is ongoing - this is the largest identification of suspected unlawful vapes we've seen to date - sending a clear message to those seeking to supply vapes," Minister Mark Butler said. "Already more than 611,000 have been seized at the border. Victoria Police has been working closely with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, which will now take primacy of the investigation. Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.