Police have intercepted a semi-trailer at the Queensland/NSW border checkpoint at Coolangatta, locating a large quantity of illicit tobacco and tobacco-related products onboard.
Officers from the Crime and Intelligence Command, Major and Organised Crime Squad – South East Region (MOCS SER), stopped and searched the vehicle after it crossed into Queensland at Coolangatta.
“As a result of the search police located illicit tobacco and tobacco related products, with an estimated value of $600,000,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
A 59-year-old man has been questioned and investigations are continuing.
Detective Acting Inspector Ian Galpin said illicit tobacco was an attractive market for organised crime syndicates and profits were often used to fund their criminal behaviour.
“As well as funding organised crime syndicates, the avoidance of tobacco duty means the community misses out on revenue that contributes to infrastructure and other services such as health.”
“We have ramped up our border compliance measures and are intercepting every vehicle to ensure they are complying with the CHO’s border restrictions direction.
“Police will remain vigilant to disrupt any criminal activity observed at the borders,” Acting Detective Inspector Galpin said.
