Australia and China seize $92 million in illicit tobacco

Australian and Chinese authorities have seized approximately $92 million worth of illicit tobacco following a joint intelligence operation. Acting on information provided by the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of China Customs, the Australian Border Force intercepted more than 100 shipping containers between January and May.

Of the intercepted containers, 91 contained 60 million illegal cigarettes and 60 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco. The contraband was reportedly manufactured in South-East Asia and moved through Shanghai, where it was concealed in shipments labeled as LED lamps and printers. The seizures occurred in Sydney and Melbourne under two separate investigations, known as Project Seahorse and Operation Trailblazer.

In China, officials arrested 60 individuals suspected of participating in an international criminal syndicate responsible for the smuggling routes. Assistant Commissioner Penelope Spies noted that the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of international intelligence sharing in preventing illicit goods from reaching Australian communities.