Smokes ring stubbed out

TWO men have been arrested and charged after a joint investigation into an alleged criminal syndicate selling illicit tobacco.

A 68-year-old Gold Coast man and a 55-year-old man from NSW have been charged with money laundering and will face Southport Magistrates Court on July 17.

The arrests follow a joint investigation by federal agencies, Queensland and NSW police, which seized 57 million illegal cigarettes.

Police said yesterday the syndicate operated in multiple states and territories.