An investigation is underway following the discovery of a large tobacco plantation in the state’s Central West yesterday.
Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District executed a search warrant at a property in Mendooran, about 70km north of Dubbo, about 9.30am yesterday (Wednesday 22 April 2020).
During the search police located a five-acre tobacco plantation complete with four drying kilns.
Approximately 740kg of dried tobacco was seized from the property with an estimated value to be in excess of $5 million.
The crop was destroyed with the assistance of the Rural Fire Service.
The 34-year-old occupant of the premises is assisting police with their inquiries.
Police are now working alongside investigators from the Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Border Force.
Inquiries 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.
