Strike Force Electrona detectives investigating the supply and sale of illicit tobacco in the Camden area were executing a search warrant on a storage unit on Dick Johnson Drive, Oran Park, yesterday, when they got more than they bargained for.
They located and seized 384,600 cigarettes, 1070 vapes, nine kilos of loose tobacco leaf and 23 jars of nicotine gum with a combined estimated street value of $426,850.
While officers were conducting the search, a 30-year-old man walked into the storage unit, allegedly carrying additional illicit tobacco products.
He was arrested at the scene and taken to Narellan Police Station where he was charged with dealing with property proceeds of crime equal to or more than $100,000, supply vaping goods in NSW, possess more than 100 times commercial quantity vaping goods in NSW, sell illicit tobacco, and possess tobacco 50 times or more commercial quantity.
The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Local Court 3 today (Tuesday.
Camden Police Area Command and NSW Health established Strike Force Electrona in March last year.
As part of investigations strike force detectives have already charged four other men, who remain before the courts and seized 162,000 cigarettes, 21kg of loose tobacco leaf and 2,500 vapes with an estimated street value of $260,000.
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In a separate incident, a Bradbury man has been charged in Campbelltown over an alleged conspiracy to commit murder.
Officers attached to Campbelltown City Police Area Command initiated inquiries on December 28 after receiving information about an alleged plan to murder a 34-year-old man.
Acting on information provided, police conducted a vehicle stop on Campbelltown Road, Woodbine, about 4pm yesterday (Monday).
The 26-year-old man, who was a passenger of the vehicle, was arrested and mobile phones, a balaclava and black clothing was seized during a search of the vehicle.
He was taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was charged with conspiracy to murder any person, and participate in a criminal group.
A search warrant was executed on a home in Bloodwood Place at Bradbury about 5pm, with police seizing a CCTV system, prohibited drugs and more clothing. All have been taken for further examination.
The man, who is from Bradbury, was refused bail to appear before Campbelltown Local Court today (Tuesday).