Counterfeit products seized, Liverpool

Police seized almost $60,000 worth of illegal tobacco products and counterfeit electronics goods during raids on six tobacconists in Sydney’s south-west today. The search warrants were the result of Strike Force Recnac, which was formed in April 2015 to investigate the sale of illicit tobacco products from multiple retail premises within the Liverpool CBD. Police conducted five of the warrants simultaneously at 10am today (Tuesday 21 July 2015) at tobacconists on Macquarie Street and Bigge Street, and a mini-mart on Macquarie Street. A sixth warrant was carried out later in the day at another Macquarie Street tobacconist. During today’s searches, officers seized almost $50,000 worth of illegal and/or counterfeit tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chop chop (loose tobacco), shisha-flavoured tobacco, and counterfeit plain packaging. Police also allegedly located counterfeit electronics items – including cables, tablets and phones – with an estimated potential street value of more than $10,000. In addition, police seized more than $7000 in cash; it will be alleged this is proceeds of crime.