Officers have uncovered a 9.7-hectare crop of illicit tobacco in Koraleigh in southern New South Wales during a raid, reports ABC News.

During the raid, 250,000 kilograms of illicit tobacco, equivalent to about 13 bulldozers in weight, were discovered and later destroyed. The officers also confiscated a picking machine and water pump. Growing tobacco has been illegal in Australia for over 10 years and Australian Tax Office (ATO) assistant commissioner Megan Croaker called the illegal crop “a sophisticated, organised operation.”
Had the tobacco made its way to market and to smokers, the tax office estimates that the Australian government would have lost a total of AUD 42 million (USD 30.3 million) in excise, reports ABC News.
People caught and convicted for growing tobacco illegally could face 10 years in jail, receive a fine of up to AUD 330,000 (USD 237.923) or both.
According to ABC News, the ATO has reaffirmed it will do anything to make sure no illicit tobacco is grown or produced in the country and put an end to organised criminals profiting from such crimes.
"By stopping illicit tobacco from going from crop to show, it creates a level playing field for small businesses," said Croaker.