14 million illegally imported cigarettes worth $9 million seized

Fourteen million illegally imported cigarettes worth an estimated $9 million have been seized in Melbourne's west.

A six-month Border Force operation led to the discovery of the cigarettes at Derrimut last week and five people have been arrested.

"This is going to have a large impact on the cigarette trade," Police Inspector Andrew Holman said.

The alleged gang first came to the attention of authorities in February, with a number of consignments being monitored.

Last week factories were raided in Dandenong, Derrimut and Campbellfield, while two men were allegedly caught trying to flee the country at Melbourne Airport.

The men, aged 23 to 37, remain in custody and are due to reappear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on November 6.