Police continue to put tobacconists operating illegally on notice, with a warrant executed at a business in Swanston Street this week resulting in police seizing approximately $800,000 worth of items.
The Melbourne West Neighbourhood Policing team continue to investigate city-based tobacconists who are selling items illegally.
This follows concerns raised about at-risk youth purchasing products freely displayed within the stores across Melbourne, causing a flow on effect and attracting anti-social activity to the area.
A warrant was conducted at a business in Swanston Street on Tuesday evening, with police seizing the following items:
• Over 2,500 packets of illicit tobacco cigarettes
• Over 25,000 illegal nicotine vapes
Police are making enquiries with the owner of the store and are expecting to conduct an interview in the coming days.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity at tobacconists is urged to contact crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributed to Melbourne West Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Matt Jerabek:
“The sale of illegal items such as those seized this week often generate anti-social and further criminal offending to an area, so we are confident this will make a positive impact on community safety.”
“This should send a very clear message to anyone in the city thinking of selling items illegally for an easy dollar – we will continue to focus on actively disrupting this activity.”
