Under new powers, the VIPER Taskforce and Tobacco Licensing Victoria (TLV) have closed 61 stores linked to organised crime caught selling illicit tobacco in just four weeks.
The new enforcement powers came into effect on 9 September under the Tobacco Act 1987 and allow TLV and Victoria Police to issue 90-day closure notices to any store found to be selling illicit tobacco.
Since that date, the two agencies have closed 61 stores linked to organised crime and seized over two million illicit cigarettes, over 40,000 vapes, over 120kg of loose tobacco and over $500,000 cash.
The operation is statewide, with VIPER and TLV having visited stores in Deer Park, Geelong, South Geelong, Corio, Thomson, Werribee, Colac, Forrest, Footscray and Lalor so far.
The deployments will continue across the state in the coming weeks.
The VIPER Taskforce is specifically targeting illicit tobacco stores linked to organised crime, including syndicates with offshore leaders.
The VIPER model is dynamic and agile, allowing members the flexibility to pivot quickly and execute search warrants at stores outside of normal business hours and on weekends.
The operation is being assisted by detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad with a view to identifying proceeds of crime and ultimately debanking offending entities from the Australian financial system.
If a store is caught selling illicit tobacco, a yellow closure sticker is affixed to the store front detailing the 90-day closure. It is an offence to remove the sticker or to then operate the closed business.
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Anthony Gasparini, VIPER Taskforce:
“Organised criminals are driven only by greed and have no regard for the harm they reap on individuals, families and our community. There is no doubt these profits derived from the sale of illicit tobacco would be used to fund further criminal activities.
“Alongside our partner agencies, we will continue removing their ill-gotten gains and dismantle their ability to create further opportunities to cause harm.
“We will deploy resources throughout the state at short notice including outside of business hours and on weekends. If you’re selling illicit tobacco, you can expect to see our VIPER members or our partner agencies come through your door.”
Quotes attributable to Chief Operating Officer Bree Oliver, Tobacco Licensing Victoria:
“This crackdown on illicit tobacco is shutting down illegitimate businesses across the state and bringing tough penalties to those who break the law.
“Tobacco Licensing Victoria continues to monitor and adapt, working closely with Victoria Police, broader law enforcement agencies and regulatory partners to share information and intelligence and target illicit tobacco.
“All our inspection and enforcement action is guided by intelligence, risk assessment and operational priorities.”
