The crop was estimated to have a potential excise of more than $28 million. 9News
Approximately 16 tonnes of tobacco has been destroyed after an illegal plantation in New South Wales' central west was raided, prompting authorities to flag a blooming trend amongst organised crime syndicates.
"The seizure of this tobacco has resulted in the disruption of the syndicate's supply chain, which in turn means the profits aren't funnelled into organised crime," Detective Superintendent Stuart Cadden said. "The NSW Police Force, the AFP, the ACIC, and all our other partner agencies will continue to conduct operations targeting illicit activities. Collaborative efforts are necessary to target any criminal activity which brings potential harm to our community.
"What we're seeing is more and more criminal syndicates are trying their hand at cultivation to keep up supply as ABF continues to increase the amount of illicit tobacco being detected and seized at the border," Superintendent Barclay said.
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