Portland police have executed a search warrant on a convenience store seizing more than 10,000 cigarettes alleged to be illegal tobacco.
Following an extensive investigation, investigators executed the search warrant on the Percy Street business on Thursday 5 November.
Officers seized the cigarettes in addition to vapes, two knives and a quantity of cash.
Police allege illicit tobacco was being sold or otherwise supplied from the store.
Two men were arrested following the execution of the warrant.
A 28-year-old Williams Landing man was charged with selling a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco and possessing cash suspected of being proceeds of crime.
He is bailed to appear before Portland Magistrates’ Court on 23 February 2027.
The second man, 30-years-old from Lara, was interviewed and released pending further investigation.
Quotes contributable to Detective Sergeant Matthew Laxton:
“This investigation was prompted by locals who were concerned about the safety of their community”.
“We wholeheartedly thank the local community for their assistance with this investigation”.
“I remind consumers that purchasing illicit tobacco is not a victimless crime. If you do it, you are funding organised crime”.
“If you are aware of illicit activity linked to a tobacco store, please come forward with that information so we can act.”
Want to help disrupt crime and hold offenders accountable? Put yourself forward and visit police.vic.gov.au/police-officer-careers for more information.
