Four women, aged 43, 49, 64 and 69 were charged with multiple offences for their alleged involvement in a criminal network. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Four women have been charged over their alleged involvement in a criminal network in Griffith, where police have uncovered unlawful tobacco products and nicotine e-cigarettes (vapes) valued at over $300,000.
Murrumbidgee Police District Criminal Investigation Team detectives established Strike Force Snedden to investigate the alleged criminal network operating in Griffith and surrounding areas in November of last year.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force officers assisted by Murray River Police District and the South East Region Enforcement Squad (RES) executed simultaneous search warrants at properties in Narrandera, Yanco, Finley and Shepparton (Victoria), on Wednesday 15 February.
During the searches, police seized in excess of 500 cartons of allegedly illegally imported cigarettes with an estimated potential retail value of more than $250,000, $50,000 worth of nicotine e-cigarettes, nicotine oil and more than $20,000 in cash.
Four women aged 43, 49, 64 and 69 were arrested during the operation.
A 49-year-old woman was arrested in Griffith and charged with eight offences; four counts of convey/possess tobacco products reckless defraud revenue; three counts of supply specified substance otherwise than by wholesale and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
She appeared before Griffith Local Court on 16 February and was granted conditional bail to reappear in the same court on 1 March .
A 64-year-old woman was arrested in Finley and charged with one count of participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and two counts each of convey/possess tobacco products reckless defraud revenue, and supply specified substance otherwise than by wholesale. She was granted conditional bail to appear before Finley Local Court on 1 March.
A 69-year-old woman was arrested in Narrandera and charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, two counts of convey/possess tobacco products reckless defraud revenue, and two counts of possess tobacco five kilograms or above. She was granted conditional bail to appear before Leeton Local Court on 11 April.
A 43-year-old woman was arrested in Shepparton Victoria, and charged with 12 offences; five counts of convey/possess tobacco products reckless defraud revenue; five counts of supply specified substance otherwise than by wholesale; knowingly direct activities of criminal group and possess tobacco five kilograms or above.
She is due to appear before Griffith Local Court on 5 April.
Murrumbidgee Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Tim Clark, said police would not tolerate those who exploited the community by selling illegal products.
“This activity deprives legitimate businesses of income and instead, places the cash in the hands of criminal organisations.
“This operation has sent a firm message to those who attempt to profit from the vulnerability of others; we’re watching you and you will be held accountable,” Detective Inspector Tim Clark said.
Inquiries under Strike Force Snedden continue.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Crime Stoppers. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
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