A joint Customs and Police investigation has uncovered an alleged illegal cigarette factory in Christchurch, leading to the seizure of a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco and an arrest.
A 42-year-old Christchurch businessman appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday morning on four charges: Using an area that is not licensed to manufacture cigarettes, interference with goods subject to Customs control, burglary, and possession or custody of uncustomed goods or prohibited imports (tobacco).
The accused was arrested on Monday following an investigation into a burglary at a Christchurch warehouse a week earlier where boxes of goods described as tea imported from China were being held waiting for clearance.
Customs claimed approximately 80 kilograms of tobacco was stolen. The full weight and quantity of tobacco seized are still being calculated.
Customs also confiscated machinery used to manufacture individual cigarettes, boxes of cigarettes, cigarette branded labels, and almost $2500 in cash, as well as other items.
Chief Customs officer of fraud and prohibition Nigel Barnes said uncovering this alleged illegal tobacco importing and manufacturing operation has stopped significant efforts to defraud taxpayers.
"The alleged offender was not licensed to be importing or producing tobacco products and this offending undermines legitimate trade and revenue collection. Customs continues to focus on identifying and targeting these criminal operations," Barnes said.
New Zealand Customs Service advise anyone with information about suspicious activity to contact them confidentially on 0800 937 768 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
