Australia
Fifteen million dollars worth of illegal tobacco has been seized from a farm in northern Victoria. A total of 22 hectares of tobacco plants were discovered growing on the property at Dingwall, near Kerang, late last month. Five large kilns were also seized, containing 24 tonnes of tobacco leaf.
The tobacco and leaf have now been destroyed. The Australian Taxation Office, Australian Border Force, Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police were involved in the seizure. The ATO said investigations into the growing and processing operation were continuing. It said it acted on intelligence and worked to destroy illegal tobacco crops and prosecute those involved. The ATO is responsible for excise licences to manufacture, grow or store tobacco.
Currently there is no tobacco being legally grown or manufactured in Australia and anyone found illegally growing tobacco can face criminal convictions. Most illegal tobacco is imported.