Cops seize 20k vapes, charges laid
Police have seized more than 20,000 vapes in three road stops across NSW.
Officers attached to Riverina Highway Patrol were conducting stationary testing on the Hume Hwy on Monday when they pulled over a Toyota HiAce van.
After searching the van, police allegedly found 37 boxes containing 9,400 vapes with an estimated street value of $329,000.
The 52-year-old driver from Victoria was taken to Gundagai Police Station where he was charged with having goods in custody.
He is due to appear in court on August 16.
Officers were again patrolling the Hume Hwy on Tuesday as part of Operation Furious when they pulled over a Mazda with Victorian number plates about 7.55pm.
Police searched the car and allegedly seized nine boxes containing 3,600 vapes, with an estimated street value of $126,000.
A 23-year-old man was taken to Gundagai Police Station where he was charged with goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained.
He will also appear in court on August 16.
Later that night about 11.25pm, police conducted random breath testing on the Hume Hwy when they pulled over a Mercedes Sprinter van.
After searching the vehicle, police allegedly seized 38 boxes containing 7,500 vapes with an estimated street value of $262,500 and $274,450 in cash.
They also found a man sleeping on a mattress in the back of the van.
The 42-year-old male driver and 29-year-old male passenger, both Chinese nationals, were charged with recklessly deal with proceeds of crime >$5000, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle) and restricted substance sold by non-wholesaler.
The driver was also issued an infringement notice for an unrestrained passenger.
Both men appeared in court on Wednesday.
