Two Perth brothers have faced court charged over the alleged distribution of illicit tobacco products in Western Australia, following the seizure of more than four million cigarettes, about 50,000 vapes and almost 900 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged Nedlands man Hossein Al Mansouri, 32, and Dianella man Mousa Al Mansouri, 33, as part of an investigation into a national organised crime syndicate allegedly selling illicit tobacco and vaping products in WA, then sending the profits back to the eastern states.
Police allege illegally distributing the seized products would have avoided about $8 million in Commonwealth excise and taxes. The AFP and WA Police, along with Australian Border Force, executed multiple search warrants in Perth in August.
It is alleged the illicit products were found during searches of a Wangara warehouse, five storage units across Perth, two vehicles and the Dianella man's home. AFP Detective acting Superintendent Matt Taylor said organised crime's bid to control the black-market trade has led to violent crimes in WA and across the country, including fire-bombings, extortion and firearms offences.
The men were each charged with possession of more than 500kg of tobacco and possession of vaping goods 1,000 times the commercial quantity. They were granted bail with a $20,000 personal undertaking and will appear in court again on November 21.
