Image: Illegal tobacco comprises anywhere from five to 17 per cent of the total retail market. Source: ABC
Two raids in regional NSW and VIC saw authorities seize and destroy over $18.5 million worth of tobacco.
News.com.au reported a tobacco crop of around seven hectares in NSW was taken, and a similar amount was seized from a Victorian property.
ATO assistant commissioner Peter Vujanic said the total illicit tobacco raid is worth around $600 million per year.
“Engaging in the illicit tobacco trade is not victimless. It significantly deprives the community of taxes that are required to fund essential community services such as roads, school and hospitals,” Mr Vujanic said.