The tobacco growing season is well underway and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has urged the community to be aware of signs that illicit tobacco is being grown, and report it to help crack down on ‘chop chop.’
Illicit tobacco operations are not run by genuine farmers but by organised crime syndicates, the tax office said, diverting funds from the community and placing them into the hands of criminals, who could use the profits to fund serious crimes.
“Community tip-offs are one of our best sources of information as they provide us and our partner agencies with crucial information to assist in the fight against illicit tobacco,” ATO Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins said.
“The significant outcomes of these raids are another positive step forward in the ongoing work to detect, disrupt and dismantle organised crime syndicates who use profits from illicit tobacco to fund other, more serious illegal activities,” Ms Hawkins said.
Border Force Acting Commander Tori Rosemond said it is estimated organised crime groups control 75 per cent of the illicit tobacco market in Australia and it can generate significant profits.
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“We are detecting and seizing massive quantities of illicit tobacco on a daily basis at the border, but this alone cannot stem the supply, which is why we work side-by-side our partners to stamp out these home-grown illicit operations,” Acting Commander Rosemond said.
Telltale signs that might suggest the presence of illicit tobacco activity in your community include unexplained construction activities along creeks and rivers on private and public land, including potentially unlawful use of water resources. Vans without markings constantly being loaded with cardboard boxes, potentially at odd hours of the day and night is another red flag, along with excessive security measures such as cameras, locks or guards, in seemingly ordinary farms or shops combined with the sounds of machinery running overnight outside of regular harvest or sowing seasons.
Between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2024, the Illicit Tobacco Team completed 90 operational activities. These included 19 ITTF (whole of government) operations, 31 ATO specific operations and 40 state law enforcement support operations.
How to spot a tobacco plant
Ever wondered if the plant you're staring at in a field is a tobacco plant or perhaps a type of vegetable? Here's how to tell:
Height: A tobacco plant typically stands tall at around 2.5 metres.
Leaves and resemblance: Look for large, green leaves that might remind you of kale, cabbage, or even corn.
Flowers: Tobacco plants feature long, trumpet-shaped flowers that are pinkish-white.
