newy.com.au – Two highway truck stops in and around Nabiac have formed part of a statewide police operation that allegedly uncovered more than $4.5 million worth of tobacco and vape products in three separate incidents this week.
Traffic and Highway Patrol officers made the first seizure about 2pm on Tuesday, 16 June, when they stopped a truck on the Pacific Highway at Nabiac over the manner of driving. Police said the 39-year-old female driver returned negative roadside test results before officers searched the truck’s cargo area.
Police allegedly found more than 17,000 vapes and 615,000 cigarettes, with a combined estimated value of about $1.5 million. A small amount of cannabis was also allegedly located. The woman was issued a court attendance notice for goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen, possess at least 1000 times the commercial quantity of vaping goods, and possess prohibited drug. She is due to appear before Forster Local Court on Wednesday, 26 August.
A second major seizure occurred about 2pm the following day, when officers stopped a truck travelling south on the Hume Highway at Yass after it was allegedly seen displaying only one P plate. The 25-year-old male driver returned a negative roadside test result.
Police conducted further inquiries and attempted to search the vehicle, but said the cargo area was locked and could not be accessed. The truck was taken to Yass Police Station, where officers gained entry and allegedly found more than 495,000 cigarettes, 13.3 kilograms of tobacco and 310 vapes. The items had an estimated street value of more than $760,000.
The driver was charged with two counts of possess tobacco 50 times or more commercial quantity and possess commercial quantity of vaping goods. He was granted conditional bail to appear before Yass Local Court on Thursday, 30 July.
Later that night, about 9.20pm, officers stopped another truck on the Pacific Highway at Jones Island for random testing and a compliance inspection. The 58-year-old male driver returned a negative roadside breath test.
Police searched the truck and allegedly located a large quantity of tobacco leaf. The truck was then taken to Nabiac Police Station, where further searches were carried out. Police allege about 2377 kilograms of tobacco leaf was found inside the truck, with an estimated value of about $2.6 million.
The man was issued a court attendance notice for goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen. He is due to appear before Taree Local Court on Tuesday, 4 August.
