Two brothers from Perth have appeared in court, facing charges related to the possession of over five tonnes of illegal tobacco products.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) discovered a stash of vapes, tobacco, and cigarettes, which they claim are connected to a national organized crime network.
A seemingly ordinary warehouse in Wangara was found to be filled with boxes that allegedly concealed the illicit tobacco.
The AFP reports that these products are linked to a surge in violent incidents across the nation.
“Firebombings and acts of extortion have endangered innocent people and their businesses,” stated Detective Acting Superintendent Matt Taylor.
“This issue also poses a risk to Australia’s national security.”
The AFP executed multiple search warrants in August, including searching five storage units and a Dianella home, and uncovered five tonnes of allegedly illegal tobacco.
More than 4 million cigarettes were seized, as well as close to 900 kilograms of loose leaf tobacco and nearly 50,500 vapes.
Police say if sold illegally, it would see $8 million in Commonwealth excises and taxes avoided, instead going into the pockets of an alleged national organised crime syndicate.
“Organised crime controls and reaps multimillion-dollar profits from this black market trade which has led to violent crimes here in WA and across Australia,” Taylor said.
Two Perth brothers have been arrested over seizure, Hossain and Mousa Al Monsouri, both in their early 30s.
The maximum penalty for possessing more than 1000 times the commercial quantity of vapes is seven years behind bars and a fine of $1.65 million
The brothers are due back in court next month.
