Jump to full article: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) (au), 2001-08-07
Intro: The illegal tobacco industry is being targeted by the Crimestoppers unit of Queensland police in conjunction with the Excise Department and State Crime Operations Branch.
The Federal Government loses about $600 million a year in revenue because of the illegal trade in tobacco.
A grower selling a 100 kilogram bale to a tobacco company earns $660, but on the illegal market thousands more can be made.
Police believe organised crime groups are processing tobacco in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and making huge profits.
Recent investigations by Queensland police resulted in 15 vehicles transporting tobacco being seized, along with 100 tonnes of tobacco valued at $1.5 million.
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