May 4, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
A truck rollover on the Pacific Highway near Tucabia , in northern New South Wales, has resulted in two 19-year-old men facing multiple charges and police seizing 125 boxes of loose-leaf tobacco with an estimated street value of $500,000 .

Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 4:00 am on Sunday, May 4, 2025 , after the truck left the roadway and rolled onto its side. The two occupants escaped uninjured, but a subsequent inspection of the vehicle revealed the large haul of illegal tobacco.

The pair were arrested, charged, and refused bail. They are scheduled to appear in Grafton Local Court on Monday, May 5, 2025 .

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 (approximately 4:00 am).
  • Location: Pacific Highway, Tucabia, about 25 km east of Grafton, northern New South Wales.

Vehicles Involved

  • A truck carrying 125 boxes of loose-leaf tobacco, which rolled off the roadway.

Seized Goods

  • Quantity: 125 boxes of loose-leaf tobacco.
  • Weight: Approximately 2.5 tonnes.
  • Estimated Street Value: $500,000.

Charges
The two 19-year-old men have been formally charged with the following offenses:

  • Convey/possess tobacco products reckless regarding defrauding revenue.
  • Deal with property proceeds of crime greater than $10,000.
  • Goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen (not a motor vehicle).
  • Disguising his face with the intent to commit an offense (driver only).

Both were refused bail and will appear in Grafton Local Court on Monday, May 5, 2025 .

“Police found the tobacco when they inspected the truck.”
— NSW Police statement

Police Investigation
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and the discovery of the illegal tobacco, focusing on:

  • The sequence of events leading to the truck leaving the roadway and rolling over.
  • Potential factors such as speed, distraction, or mechanical failure contributing to the crash.
  • The origin and intended destination of the seized tobacco, as well as any organized criminal involvement.

The discovery of the tobacco highlights the ongoing issue of illegal tobacco trafficking and its potential links to organized crime.

“The pair were arrested and taken to Grafton Police Station where they were charged.”
— NSW Police update

Community Impact
This incident has drawn significant attention due to the large-scale seizure of illegal tobacco, valued at $500,000 , and the involvement of two young individuals. It underscores the prevalence of illicit activities on major highways like the Pacific Highway and the importance of law enforcement efforts to combat such crimes.