TWO men will face court after more than $1 million worth of illicit cigarettes and tobacco was allegedly seized in Moree early this morning.

Officers attached to New England Police District were conducting patrols in the Moree area at about 2.15am today, May 19, when they stopped a utility on the Newell Highway for roadside testing.

The driver – a 19-year-old man – was subjected to a roadside breath test, which returned a negative result.

During the vehicle stop, police searched the vehicle, allegedly locating and seizing 37 boxes containing a total of 434,600 illicit cigarettes, 11 garbage bags containing approximately 60kg of dried tobacco leaf, and $1620 in cash.

The driver and his 18-year-old passenger were arrested and taken to Moree Police Station.

The older man was charged with recklessly deal with proceeds of crime greater than $5000, and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime less than or equal to $5000.

The younger man was charged with recklessly deal with proceeds of crime greater than $5000.

They were both were refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 5 today.