Aussie border agents seize 57 mln illegal cigarette

SYDNEY, July 5 (Xinhua) — A joint operation led by the Australian Border Force (ABF) has stubbed out an organized crime syndicate and seized over 57 million illegal cigarettes in a year-long investigation.

Aided by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and Queensland State Police, ABF superintendent Leo Lahey said on Thursday that the Illicit Tobacco Taskforce operation was an example of what can be achieved when authorities pool the resources of state, federal and international law enforcement.

“Working collaboratively across agencies in this way will always be critical to success,” he said.

“These seizures also highlight the critical need to combat the illicit tobacco trade.”

Beginning in June 2017, the complex investigation began with a tip-off from ACIC after information came to light that an organized crime syndicate with links to Southeast Asia was operating in Australia and involved in money laundering and the large-scale importation of illicit tobacco.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-07/05/c_137302917.htm