WA Police organised crime squad allegedly seize 40kg of illegal tobacco in Geraldton smoke store raids

A Statewide operation targeting the sale of illicit tobacco has resulted in 40kg of loose product and thousands of illicit cigarettes seized from tobacco stores in Geraldton. WA Police’s serious and organised crime division made their way to Geraldton as part of a wider operation across the State cracking down on the sale of illicit tobacco. Last week, two search warrants were executed and 40kg of loose tobacco and 26,000 illicit cigarettes were seized from tobacco retailers in Geraldton. An anonymous source said smokers were purchasing the tobacco, which is understood to be grown locally, for potentially cheaper prices. Customers lined up at one of the Geraldton stores on Monday morning anticipating its opening, however it remained closed. A WA Police spokesperson said the operation and enquiries remained ongoing. It comes after 5.9 million illicit cigarettes, $1.7 million cash, 1.4 tonnes of loose illicit tobacco and 41,000 vapes along with five cars with a combined value of more than $500,000 was allegedly seized last month in raids at 50 properties across WA.