# Australia-China illicit tobacco seizure > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australia-china-illicit-tobacco-seizure > Updated: 2026-08-22T07:49:37.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Australian and Chinese authorities conducted a joint intelligence operation to intercept illicit tobacco. Acting on information from the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of China Customs, the Australian Border Force intercepted over 100 shipping containers between January and May. Of these containers, 91 held 60 million illegal cigarettes and 60 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco. The contraband, manufactured in South-East Asia, was moved through Shanghai and concealed in shipments labeled as printers and LED lamps. The seizures took place in Sydney and Melbourne under investigations named Project Seahorse and Operation Trailblazer. In China, officials arrested 60 individuals suspected of involvement in an international criminal syndicate. Assistant Commissioner Penelope Spies stated the operation highlights the effectiveness of international intelligence sharing in preventing illicit goods from reaching Australian communities. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-22: Authorities seize large quantities of illegal tobacco and vape products in Pakistan and UK Customs in Karachi seized 25,000kg of cigarette-making materials, while Glasgow authorities reported over 1.4 million illicit cigarettes and 32,000 vapes seized over a five-year period. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/authorities-seize-large-quantities-of-illegal-tobacco-and-vape-products-in-pakistan-and-uk ### 2026-08-19: Australia and China seize $92 million in illicit tobacco Australian and Chinese authorities seized nearly $100 million in illicit tobacco, intercepting 60 million illegal cigarettes smuggled from Shanghai in shipments disguised as electronics. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-and-china-seize-92-million-in-illicit-tobacco --- Cite as: Australia-China illicit tobacco seizure. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australia-china-illicit-tobacco-seizure