From: The Courier [Australia]
Caleb Cluff
Illegal growth supports crime: Former AFP and ABF officer Rohan Pike says illegal tobacco is not just about avoiding paying taxes; it supports violent crime.
A former Australian Federal Police (AFP) officer and leader of the Australian Border Force (ABF) tobacco strike team says Ballarat is typical of a number of Victorian country towns that are now flooded with illegal tobacco, both home-grown and imported; a flood that is supporting organised crime.
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He spoke to The Courier following the arrest of two men after a raid on an illegal tobacco plantation in Dunnstown on March 1 uncovered 4.2 tonnes of tobacco leaf and equipment used to process it, as well as unregistered firearms.
