An alleged crime syndicate ringleader has been charged with smuggling a massive quantity of illicit tobacco into Australia, hidden inside kitchen items and clothing.

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The arrest by a joint task force comes as Victoria Police combats "unspeakable violence" in the community connected to the illicit tobacco trade, including hundreds of arson and extortion offences.

A 49-year-old man from the Melbourne suburb of North Coburg was arrested on September 9 for allegedly masterminding the importation of more than seven tonnes

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