New South Wales police have charged two men following the seizure of more than $1 million worth of illicit tobacco during a roadside breath test on a regional highway.
Details of the Incident
According to a police statement, officers from the New England district were conducting patrols in the Moree area in the state’s north overnight. They stopped a utility vehicle on the Newell Highway for roadside testing at approximately 2:15 am.
The driver, a 19-year-old man, underwent a roadside breath test, which returned a negative result. However, police proceeded to search the vehicle while it was stopped.
Seized Items
During the search, officers allegedly discovered and confiscated 37 boxes containing 434,600 illicit cigarettes, 11 garbage bags holding approximately 60 kilograms of dried tobacco leaf, and $1,620 in cash. The total estimated value of the illicit tobacco exceeds $1 million.
Arrests and Charges
The driver and his 18-year-old passenger were arrested and taken to Moree police station. The older man was charged with recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime greater than $5,000 and recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime less than or equal to $5,000. The younger man was charged with recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime greater than $5,000.
Both individuals were refused bail and are scheduled to appear before the bail division court today.
