More than $31 million worth of illicit tobacco has been seized from two properties in northern Victoria.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO), with help from Victoria Police, conducted raids on properties in Nathalia on Tuesday and Katunga on Wednesday following a tip-off from a concerned community member.
During the search of the Nathalia property, officers found more than 14 hectares of illicit tobacco crops with an estimated value of more than $25 million.
A property in Katunga was also raided and 2.5 hectares of tobacco crops, which were estimated to be worth more than $6 million, were uncovered by officers.
ATO assistant commissioner Jade Hawkins said the raids had successfully disrupted the operations of organised criminals.
"Organised criminals utilise small producers and farmers to grow Illicit tobacco to benefit their network," Ms Hawkins said.
Since January last year, nearly 50 hectares of illegal tobacco crops have been seized and destroyed in rural Victoria.
Ms Hawkins said people in the community were one of the best sources of intelligence they had for helping to shut down criminal activities.
"Members of the community who notice unusual farm works, earthworks along creeks or riverbeds, and large, leafy plant crops that resemble kale, cabbage, or corn can report it anonymously to the ATO," she said.
Those convicted of growing, selling, or possessing illicit tobacco can face up to 10 years' imprisonment and can be fined at least $412,500.
