Four men were charged after Riverina Highway Patrol allegedly seized more than 20,000 vapes during Operation Furious on the Hume Highway this week. Photo: NSW Police.
Operation Furious has led Riverina Highway Patrol to allegedly seize more than half a million in cash and more than 20,000 vapes with an estimated street value of more than $700,000.
Earlier this week (17 June) Riverina Highway Patrol officers were conducting stationary testing on the Hume Highway, Tumblong, near Gundagai as part of Operation Furious when they pulled over a Toyota Hiace van.
Upon searching the vehicle, they allegedly seized 37 boxes containing 9400 vapes with an estimated street value of $329,000.
The 52-year-old Victorian driver was arrested and taken to Gundagai Police Station, where he was issued a court attendance notice for a charge of goods in custody to appear before Gundagai Local Court on 16 August.
On Tuesday (June 18), the Riverina Highway Patrol was patrolling the Hume Highway, Gundagai, when they pulled over a Mazda with Victorian number plates at about 7:55 pm.
Police searched the vehicle and allegedly seized nine boxes containing 3600 vapes, with an estimated street value of $126,000.
A 23-year-old man was arrested and taken to Gundagai Police Station, where he was issued a field court attendance notice for a charge of goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained.
He will appear before Gundagai Local Court on 16 August.
Later that night, at about 11:25 pm, police attached to highway patrol were conducting random breath testing on the Hume Highway, Gundagai, when they pulled over a Mercedes Sprinter van.
When they searched the vehicle, they allegedly seized 38 boxes containing 7500 vapes with an estimated street value of $262,500 and $274,450 in cash. They also allegedly found a man sleeping on a mattress in the van’s rear.
The 42-year-old male driver and the 29-year-old male passenger, both Chinese nationals, were arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station.
The men were charged with recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime over $5000, goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen (not motor vehicle) and restricted substance sold by a non-wholesaler. The driver was also issued an infringement notice for an unrestrained passenger.
They were refused bail and appeared before Wagga Wagga Local Court on 19 June.
Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
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