# Illicit tobacco seizures in New South Wales

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/illicit-tobacco-seizures-in-new-south-wales
> Updated: 2026-09-13T10:25:13.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

New South Wales police have conducted separate seizures of illicit tobacco and vaping products during vehicle interceptions.

In early September, police north of Armidale seized over 7,000 illegal cigarettes valued at approximately $5,000 following a traffic stop. A passenger, Zakaria Abdo, pleaded guilty to unlawfully obtaining goods, claiming the products were being transported for destruction.

On September 11, the Bathurst Highway Patrol intercepted a van near Walang for vehicle defects. This search resulted in a significantly larger seizure, including 163,000 cigarettes, 37 vapes, and various other nicotine products. The estimated street value of the confiscated items was approximately $266,000, and the driver was issued a Court Attendance Notice for possessing commercial quantities of tobacco and vaping goods.

## Claims

- Police seized approximately $266,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vaping products during a vehicle stop. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The seized items included 163,000 cigarettes, 37 vapes, 20kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 2.5kg of tobacco pouches, and 46 nicotine patch tins. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A 63-year-old man was issued a Court Attendance Notice for possessing commercial quantities of tobacco and vaping goods. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-13: NSW Police seize $266,000 in illicit tobacco and vapes

NSW Police seized approximately $266,000 worth of illicit cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes from a van on the Great Western Highway near Bathurst.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nsw-police-seize-266000-in-illicit-tobacco-and-vapes

### 2026-09-09: Police seize $5,000 in illegal cigarettes during Armidale traffic stop

Police seized over 7,000 illegal cigarettes worth $5,000 during a traffic stop near Armidale, leading to a guilty plea from passenger Zakaria Abdo.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-seize-5000-in-illegal-cigarettes-during-armidale-traffic-stop

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Cite as: Illicit tobacco seizures in New South Wales. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/illicit-tobacco-seizures-in-new-south-wales