Four women have been charged over their alleged involvement in a criminal network in the state’s south, where police have uncovered unlawful tobacco products and nicotine e-cigarettes (vapes).
In November 2022, detectives from the Murrumbidgee Police District Criminal Investigation Team established Strike Force Snedden to investigate the alleged criminal network operating in Griffith and surrounding areas.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force officers – assisted by Murray River Police District and the South East Region Enforcement Squad (RES) – executed simultaneous search warrants at properties in Narrandera, Yanco, Finley and Shepparton (Victoria), on Wednesday 15 February 2023.
During the searches, police seized in excess of 500 cartons of allegedly illegally imported cigarettes with an estimated potential retail value of more than $250,000, $50,000 of nicotine e-cigarettes, nicotine oil and more than $20,000 in cash.
Four women were arrested during the operation:
A 49-year-old woman was arrested in Griffith and charged with eight offences;
- Convey/possess tobacco products reckless re defraud revenue (four counts),
- Supply specified substance otherwise than by wholesale (three counts), and,
- Participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
She appeared before Griffith Local Court on Thursday 16 February 2023 where she was granted conditional bail to reappear in the same court on Wednesday 1 March 2023.
A 64-year-old woman was arrested in Finley and charged with one count of participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and two counts each of convey/possess tobacco products reckless re defraud revenue, and supply specified substance otherwise than by wholesale. She was granted conditional bail to appear before Finley Local Court on Wednesday 1 March 2023.
A 69-year-old woman was arrested in Narrandera and charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, two counts of convey/possess tobacco products reckless re defraud revenue, and two counts of possess tobacco 5 kilograms or above. She was granted conditional bail to appear before Leeton Local Court on Tuesday 11 April 2023.
A 43-year-old woman was arrested in Shepparton, Victoria, and charged with 12 offences;
– Convey/possess tobacco products reckless re defraud revenue (five counts),
– Supply specified substance otherwise than by wholesale (five counts),
– Knowingly direct activities of criminal group, and,
– Possess tobacco 5 kilograms or above.
She is due to appear before Griffith Local Court on Wednesday 5 April 2023.
Murrumbidgee Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Tim Clark, said police will not tolerate those who exploit the community by selling illegal products.
“This activity deprives legitimate businesses of income and instead, places the cash in the hands of criminal organisations.
“This operation has sent a firm message to those who attempt to profit from the vulnerability of others; we’re watching you and you will be held accountable,” Detective Inspector Tim Clark said.
Inquiries under Strike Force Snedden continue.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages
