An illegal tobacco operation has seen $2.5 million worth of assets seized. 

Police and Customs found 100kg of loose tobacco, 230,000 cigarettes, and 10,000 concealed tea packets at properties in Napier and Gisborne.  

Four of those involved in the operation are currently before the courts. 

Action for SmokeFree chairperson Professor Robert Beaglehole tells Tim Beveridge the number of illegal tobacco seizures is increasing. 

He says people are desperate due to high prices of tobacco through licensed outlets and illegal trade is driven by cheaper prices. 

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