CANBERRA: Australian Border Force officers began investigating a large number of passengers arriving from South-East Asian ports based on intelligence gathered from previous operations. Over the course of the probe more than 40 people were identified bringing in large amounts of illegal tobacco packed in suitcases. Last Friday officers carried out a raid at a property in Docklands linked to one of the alleged ringleaders of the smuggling ring. Officers seized 107,000 cigarettes, $260,000 in cash, a laptop and a number of other luxury items. A 33-year-old-man who was at the property was charged with possessing and conveying tobacco products and with knowing the goods were imported with intent to defraud the revenue. The following day a 54-year-old woman and 30-year-old woman, who the ABF allege are also part of the syndicate, were arrested attempting to leave Melbourne Airport. It will be alleged they imported two suitcases filled with 52,000 illicit cigarettes on January 19. We know the illicit tobacco trade is an attractive market for organised criminal syndicates due to the lucrative profits that can be made in evaded tax, and that these profits are often channelled back into organised crime or other criminal activity. No matter how lucrative the illicit tobacco trade is, the Tobacco Strike Team is making significant inroads in tackling the criminal syndicates involved last financial year we detected more than 123 million illicit cigarettes and 64 tonnes of tobacco.”
Gwadar airport to remain closed three days a week under new schedule
GWADAR: New operating hours have been announced for Gwadar airport, under which the facility will remain closed on Wednesdays, Fridays...
