Customs says it has confiscated approximately 80 kilograms of tobacco along with equipment to manufacture cigarettes. Photo: Supplied / Customs
An alleged illegal cigarette factory has been uncovered in Christchurch by Customs and police.
The factory was found following an investigation into a burglary a week earlier at a warehouse where boxes of goods described as tea were being held awaiting Customs clearance.
A 42-year-old man has been charged with the burglary, using an area not licensed to manufacture cigarettes, interference with goods subject to Customs control and possession of uncustomed goods or prohibited imports, in this case tobacco.
Customs said approximately 80kg of tobacco was stolen in the burglary on 16 June 2024, with the full weight and quantity of tobacco seized currently being calculated.
Along with the illegal tobacco, Customs has confiscated machinery used to manufacture individual cigarettes, boxes of cigarettes, cigarette branded labels, and almost NZ$2500 in cash, as well as other items.
Chief Customs officer for fraud and prohibition, Nigel Barnes, said uncovering this alleged illegal tobacco importing and manufacturing operation had stopped significant criminal efforts to defraud Crown revenue and New Zealand taxpayers.
"With the help of police and members of the public, Customs has been able to dismantle a major black-market tobacco operation where the offender has imported large quantities of loose tobacco with the aim of selling it at a cut-price and avoid paying legally required taxes," Barnes said.
"The alleged offender was not licensed to be importing or producing tobacco products.
"This offending undermines legitimate trade and revenue collection. Customs continues to focus on identifying and targeting these criminal operations."
The man was due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday.