Australian Border Force (ABF) has seized its biggest ever weekend haul of illegal cigarettes and tobacco over the Easter period at its NSW Container Examination Facility (CEF).
While many Australians were enjoying some well-earned family time, and chocolate, ABF officers in NSW seized a total of $48.8 million worth of illicit tobacco products between Good Friday and Easter Monday.
The massive haul was made up of 28 million cigarettes (worth $32.6 million) and 9,762kg of tobacco (worth $16.2 million), detected across multiple shipments.
The goods had been declared as consignments containing everyday items like toilet paper, sofa chairs and car scanners.
The various shipments arrived from China, Singapore, and Korea and were not linked to one particular crime syndicate.
ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said the ABF had identified the persons behind the shipments, and said the combined find sends a strong message to those who are tempted to become involved in the illicit tobacco trade.
"Tobacco and cigarette smuggling is not a victimless crime - with profits from illegal sales in Australia often being used to fund other criminal activity both here and overseas," Supt Leighton said.
"We have seen several prison sentences handed out here in NSW relating to illicit tobacco and this should serve as a significant deterrent to those who are involved with this type of activity.
"These massive seizures highlight the ABF's commitment to tackling the illegal importation of tobacco, and prove once again that we are making the Australian border a hostile environment for those seeking to conduct criminal behaviour."
The penalties for smuggling tobacco are severe and can include up to 10 years' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to five times the amount of duty evaded.
Anyone with information about the importation and export of illicit tobacco or cigarettes should contact Border Watch.
By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community. Information can be provided anonymously.
