Smugglers Run out of Puff as Authorities Intercept 46 Million Illegal Cigarettes

A New South Wales criminal syndicate was literally bringing in cigarettes by the container-load, an investigation found.

Photos from the joint Australian Federal Police/Australian Border Force seizure of 46 million cigarettes, illegally imported by a New South Wales crime syndicate. On the left are some packets of the product and on the right, one of the containers packed with the illegal import. Courtesy of AFP/ABF

A New South Wales (NSW) criminal syndicate has been apprehended after a multi-agency effort to stem the influx of illegal tobacco and cigarettes in Australia seized 46 million illicit cigarettes at the border.

Detectives from the Multi-Agency Strike Team (MAST) have charged a 42-year-old NSW man and seven of his associates under Strike Force Aulic.

The unit was established in September 2023 to investigate the importation and supply of large quantities of prohibited drugs and illicit tobacco by criminals who were allegedly claiming to have the ability to circumvent border controls.

As Strike Force Aulic investigations progressed, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers seized four containers they say were linked to the syndicate at the NSW border between June 24 and July 15, 2025.

The containers held a total of 46 million illicit cigarettes, which police say are worth approximately $31 million (US$20 million).

Charges Laid

This week, detectives issued the 42-year-old a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) for two counts of importing tobacco products with intent to defraud revenue, relating to approximately 25 million illicit cigarettes found in two of the containers. He is due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court later this month.

The other seven men have previously been charged and remain before the courts.

Illicit tobacco has been linked to transnational and organised criminal groups, which channel profits into other illegal activities such as arms dealing, drug trafficking, and intimidation.

It also means the importers have avoided paying duties and taxes.

Last year, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) estimated that approximately 18 percent (1,656 tonnes) of all tobacco for sale was illicit. The duty value would have been $2.7 billion.

The federal government committed $188.5 million over four years to the Australian Border Force to deliver a new compliance model in partnership with states and territories.

“Illegal tobacco is more than a problem for the budget, it’s a health challenge, and it’s a challenge to our border security,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in 2024.

Imports of illicit tobacco surged in 2020/21, though recent enforcement efforts appear to be stifling any further increase.

MAST brings together Commonwealth and NSW investigators and analysts to leverage combined resources, expertise, and legislative powers in identifying and targeting trusted insiders who aid transnational, serious organised crime syndicates affecting NSW.

It comprises 41 officers from the NSW Police Force (NSWPF), Australian Federal Police (AFP), ABF, NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), and the ATO.