Wellington Police executed search warrants in Hutt Valley and Porirua on Tuesday 2 August 2016 in relation to the large scale theft of tobacco products from Imperial Tobacco, Petone, over the past two months.
Police believe the tobacco was allegedly stolen for the purpose of on-supply to the public at cut price rates, often via social media.
Ten employees from the Imperial Tobacco site, including two security guards and an employee’s family member have been arrested and charged with theft of tobacco valued at several hundred-thousand dollars.
The nine men and two woman arrested have been bailed to appear in the Lower Hutt District Court on 9 August 2016.
During the search warrants, Police recovered significant quantities of stolen tobacco and in excess of $60,000 cash. A brand new vehicle was also restrained from one of the alleged offenders under the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch of the Wellington District CIB said: “This alleged offending was of a significant scale and we have worked closely with the management at Imperial Tobacco over recent weeks to identify, investigate and close down the groups responsible.”
Our enquiries have shown the unlawful and unregulated sale of stolen tobacco is a significant issue in the community and Police want to warn those who purchase stolen or cut price tobacco that they may be committing a criminal offence and are liable for prosecution if identified.”
Where thefts of this kind are detected, Police will work with complainants and victims to ensure a timely and effective response is put in place.
Police encourage anyone that may have any information relating to the sale of cut price tobacco products to contact them in confidence.
Alternatively, information may be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Police Media Centre