Police arrested two people and seized kilograms of loose tobacco and more than $30,000 worth of cigarettes and cash, following raids in Kilmore and Broadford last week.
The raids at Kilmore Gifts , Cigarettes and Accessories and at a High Street Broadford address were part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal tobacco.
The investigation resulted in the arrest of two people, who were charged with multiple offences, including possessing illegal tobacco and possessing proceeds of crime.
Kilmore and Wallan uniform police joined forces with Seymour Divisional Tasking Unit officers to execute search warrants simultaneously after receiving information from members of the community.
An Altona North man, 30, was charged with 11 offences, including possessing illegal tobacco, possessing proceeds of crime, selling tobacco products with duty not paid, and possessing smuggled goods.
He was released on bail and will appear at Seymour Magistrates Court on September 27.
Police also charged a Broadford woman, 54, with seven offences, including possessing smuggled goods, selling tobacco products with unpaid duty and possessing imported tobacco products.
She was released pending summons.
Acting Sergeant Yvette Taylor said the arrests were the result of an ongoing investigation into the sale of illegal tobacco in the community.
“This illegal activity isn’t going to stop and the community need to be clear it is an offence for a person to purchase illegal tobacco,” she said.
“We are going to continue conducting covert operations and we will charge anyone caught selling or purchasing these products.
“We would also like to thank the community who’ve provided invaluable information that allowed us to make these arrests.”
Police encouraged people to provide information on activity of this nature by contacting Kilmore police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
