Raids have uncovered more than 16 hectares of illegal tobacco in Victoria's north with an estimated excise value of more than $31 million.
A member of the public tipped authorities off to the massive haul, with Victoria Police later finding more than 14 hectares of illicit tobacco crops at a Nathalia property and about two hectares' worth at a Katunga property.
The value of the tax lost for the Nathalia crops was an estimated more than $25 million, while at Katunga, it was more than $6 million.
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The Australian Taxation Office, with the support of Victoria Police, have since seized and destroyed the tobacco.
"Organised criminals utilise small producers and farmers to grow Illicit tobacco to benefit their network," tax office assistant commissioner Jade Hawkins said.
"Criminals use illicit tobacco as a cash crop to fund other illegal activities.
"Evading excise duty on tobacco costs the community millions of dollars that could be spent on essential community services."
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The tax office worked with its partner agencies to stop illegal tobacco activity.
However, people in the community were one of the best sources of intelligence they had, Ms Hawkins said.
"Their eyes and ears in their own backyards help us to identify and shut down criminal activities," she said.
The peak growing season for illegal tobacco is between November and May, and Ms Hawkins urged the community to keep watch for unusual farm works, earthworks along creeks and riverbeds, and leafy plant crops that resembled kale, cabbage or corn.
Growing tobacco is illegal in Australia and growers can face up to 10 years in prison and fines of more than $412,000.
Australian Associated Press
