Hobart’s Eastern Shore has been directly impacted by a major joint police operation that saw illicit tobacco, firearms, cash, silver, and gold seized, and three men arrested across Tasmania and Victoria. The operation, which the ABC reported as “Operation Prism”, targeted the alleged movement of millions of dollars in criminal proceeds linked to the illicit tobacco trade.
The Tasmania Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (TAS JOCTF), comprising members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Tasmania Police, and Australian Border Force (ABF), led a long-term investigation into illicit tobacco in Tasmania. This investigation, which originated from intelligence provided by the Tasmania Police Crime and Intelligence Command, identified the alleged interstate movement of criminal assets. Victoria Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), Cybercrime Squad, and VIPER Taskforce provided support to the operation.
As part of the coordinated effort, TAS JOCTF members executed search warrants at properties in Melrose and Sorell, on Tasmania’s Eastern Shore, on August 11, 2026. On the same day, Victoria Police’s VIPER Taskforce conducted coordinated warrants in Hoppers Crossing, Victoria.
During these searches, authorities seized a substantial quantity of illicit items. More than $2.5 million worth of tobacco product was confiscated, alongside over $1 million in cash. Police also seized 9 kilograms of silver bars, valued at more than $30,000, and one ounce of gold, worth over $4,000. Additionally, five firearms were recovered during the operation.
Two men have been charged following the investigation. A 33-year-old man from Hoppers Crossing, Victoria, and a 22-year-old man from Sorell, Tasmania, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on August 12, 2026. Both men were charged with knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime. Police allege they facilitated the movement of criminal proceeds in cash between Tasmania and Victoria, utilising hire cars and a commercial passenger and freight vessel. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment. Both individuals were granted bail and are scheduled to reappear in court on December 2, 2026.
A third man, aged 37, from Hoppers Crossing, was also arrested and subsequently released. He is expected to be charged via summons. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This joint operation underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to disrupt organised crime networks operating across state borders and targeting the illicit tobacco market. Readers seeking further details are encouraged to refer to the original reporting by ABC News Tasmania.