Two men will face court charged following the seizure of more than $1.6 million worth of illegal tobacco and vape products following a joint operation in Sydney's southwest.
In January 2026, Investigators attached to Bankstown Region Enforcement Squad, assisted by State Crime Command Organised Crime Squad and the Australian Border Force-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce commenced a joint investigation into the importation and possession of large commercial quantities of illicit tobacco products.
Following inquiries, about 11.00am yesterday (Monday 19 January 2026), police and ABF officers executed a search warrant at a warehouse in Schofield Street, Riverwood.
During the search warrant, officers seized 40,000 branded cigarettes, 601kg of molasses tobacco, 455 pouches of branded loose-leaf tobacco, 3.2 kg of unbranded loose-leaf tobacco, 499 packets of nicotine pouches, 185 branded vapes and 2,040 assorted cigarettes.
Investigators also seized several mobile phones and other electronic items, which will be subject to further forensic examination.
Police arrested a 44-year-old man inside the warehouse, while a 26-year-old man was arrested after driving past the premises.
During a search of the man's vehicle, officers seized $6,000 in cash and an electronic stun device.
Both men were taken to Campsie Police Station, where the older man was charged with possess commercial quantity of vaping goods. The younger man was charged with recklessly deal with proceeds of crime and possession of a prohibited weapon.
Both men were granted conditional bail to Bankstown Local Court on Tuesday 10 February 2026.
