PLEASE NOTE: NSWPF-branded images of the tobacco are available via Hightail – https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/Xc8WXFYQC9
Detectives from the Multi-Agency Strike Team (MAST) have laid further importation charges under Strike Force Aulic following the seizure of 46 million illicit cigarettes at the Australian border.
The MAST comprises 41 officers from the NSW Police Force (NSWPF), Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Border Force (ABF), NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
The MAST brings together Commonwealth and NSW investigators and analysts to leverage combined resources, expertise and legislative powers in identifying and targeting trusted insiders aiding transnational serious organised crime syndicates affecting NSW.
In September 2023, investigators established Strike Force Aulic to investigate the importation and supply of large quantities of prohibited drugs and illicit tobacco by a 42-year-old man and his associates, who were allegedly purporting to have the ability to circumvent border controls.
Seven men have previously been charged and remain before the courts.
As Strike Force Aulic investigations progressed, ABF officers seized an additional four containers allegedly linked to the syndicate between Tuesday 24 June 2025 and Tuesday 15 July 2025 at the NSW border.
The containers are alleged to contain a total of 46 million illicit cigarettes worth approximately $31 million.
Yesterday (Monday 21 July 2025), detectives issued a 42-year-old man a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) for two counts of import tobacco products with intent to defraud revenue, relating to approximately 25 million illicit cigarettes found in two of the containers.
The man is due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 31 July 2025.
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
