Police in New South Wales have seized millions of dollars in illegal tobacco and uncovered a money-laundering operation on the far north coast. The investigation, known as Operation Mustang, focused on the towns of Mullumbimby, Byron Bay, and Tweed Heads.

Detective Chief Superintendent Grant Taylor reported that authorities charged four individuals during the week-long operation. They confiscated over 18,000 vapes, 1.9 million illicit cigarettes, 75 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, and five unregistered firearms.

"Across three storage sheds located in Mullumbimby, the Australian Border Force estimates the duty evaded on the tobacco is over $3 million," said Greg Dowse, commander of the illicit tobacco and vape enforcement branch.

The operation led to the arrest of a 27-year-old man at a storage facility in Mullumbimby. Police also searched two homes in the area, where they discovered five unregistered firearms, $40,000 in cash, mobile phones, electronic equipment, and various illicit tobacco products.

In addition to the 27-year-old, a 24-year-old man and a 41-year-old man were arrested at the two homes. Inspections were also conducted at a tobacconist in Byron Bay and a convenience store in Tweed Heads, resulting in further product seizures.

The joint operation involved the NSW Police Organised Crime Squad, the Australian Border Force, and NSW Health. The two younger men, aged 24 and 27, face charges for possessing a commercial quantity of illicit vapes, dealing with proceeds of crime, and participating in a criminal group. They have been granted conditional bail and are scheduled to appear in Byron Bay Local Court on November 24.

The 41-year-old man faces five counts of possessing an unregistered firearm and has been granted conditional bail to appear in Mullumbimby Local Court on December 3.

A 40-year-old woman was also arrested after visiting the Byron Bay Police Station. She has been charged with possessing more than 1,000 times the commercial quantity of illicit vapes, two counts of dealing with proceeds of crime, and participating in a criminal group. She is set to appear in Byron Bay Local Court on November 24.

The Australian Border Force emphasized that the raids and arrests send a strong message to criminals. "Strike Force Franklin will continue to investigate the laundering of monies along the eastern seaboard of NSW," the agency stated.