Two international travellers attempting to bring in nearly 18,000 undeclared cigarettes concealed in their baggage this week had their visas cancelled by the Australian Border Force (ABF) at Perth Airport.
On 3 June 2026, two Mongolian nationals were stopped at the airport after arriving on a flight from Hong Kong. An x-ray of the traveller's bags showed a significant quantity of cigarettes, and approximately 17,989 cigarettes of multiple brands were subsequently located.
ABF officers seized the cigarettes and cancelled the visas of the two travellers under Section 116 of the Migration Act 1958.
They will be removed from the country on the next available flight at their own expense.
ABF teams around the country are currently targeting the illicit tobacco trade at the Australian border, through airports, seaports and air cargo.
Under Operation PRINTWALL over a kilotonne of illicit tobacco has been detected across the border continuum, with the ABF delivering its largest week of seizures since the operation commenced in December 2025 - with over 87 tonnes of illicit tobacco seized in just one week from 13 April 2026.
ABF Superintendent John Eldridge said attempting to bring undeclared cigarettes into Australia is not worth the risk.
"Not only will you lose these undeclared products, but you may also have your visa cancelled and face an exclusion period of up to three years from re-entering Australia," Superintendent Eldridge said.
"Perth is an extremely long-haul destination just to be turned around at the airport and sent home again with potential life-long repercussions. I urge people to make smart decisions."
International travellers seeking more information on what can be brought into Australia can check the ABF website here: http://www.abf.gov.au
