This is a joint media release between the Australian Border Force, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australian Taxation Office, Australian Federal Police, Queensland Police and Queensland Health
The Australian Border Force (ABF) has led a major multi-agency crackdown across Southeast Queensland resulting in the seizure of illicit tobacco worth over AUD $23.4 million in combined duty evaded and street value – representing a significant escalation in efforts to dismantle the organised crime networks behind the trade.
The joint operation, led by the ABF’s National Disruption Group and Regional Investigations Queensland teams, utilised the legislative powers and capabilities of the ABF, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Australian Federal Police (AFP), Queensland Police (QPS) and Queensland Health (Qld Health), and marks the first resolution following a referral into the NDG by a partner agency.
On 16 and 17 June 2026, 97 officers across 6 agencies executed a series of warrants and compliance actions at five retail outlets, 4 commercial premises and 7 residential properties across Southeast Queensland – reflecting the breadth and complexity of criminal activity underpinning the illicit tobacco supply chain.
Operational outcomes across all 16 locations include:
- seizure of over 13.7 million illicit cigarettes, over 380kg loose leaf tobacco, over 27 thousand vapes and over 30 thousand nicotine pouches
- seizure of over AUD 175,000 cash, NZD 3,400 cash and USD 8,300 cash
- one cash counting machine, a Rolex watch, 10 vials of human growth hormone and other drug paraphernalia
- issued the temporary closure for one outlet
- located 8 persons of interest linked to the illicit tobacco trade.
In addition to the seized goods, officers from the ABF seized over 10 electronic devices for further examination and the AFP have put a temporary hold on a bank account linked to the syndicate.
The significance of these results demonstrates the value of intelligence gathered and shared across Federal and State and Territory agencies to disrupt, deter and dismantle organised criminals and enablers profiting from the illicit tobacco market. The illicit tobacco trade is not a victimless crime, with well-documented links between the distribution and sale of illicit tobacco products in Australia and other serious organised crime such as drug trafficking, and child exploitation.
Investigations remain ongoing.
Quotes
ABF Commander Illicit Tobacco and Vape Enforcement, Greg Dowse
'This result is precisely why the National Disruption Group is a force multiplier against criminals in the illicit tobacco supply chain. Using information from a singular referral, together with partner agencies we have managed to investigate, target and dismantle the illegal operations of a large-scale criminal operation across Southeast Queensland.'
'The National Disruption Group was established to break the illicit tobacco business model, and that's exactly what we're doing. Whether you're importing it, moving it, storing it or selling it, we have the collective multi agency capability to identify, target and disrupt your activities.'
Therapeutic Goods Administration Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Head of the TGA
'The TGA is an active member of the National Disruption Group and recognises the importance of enforcement efforts to curb the flow of illegal vaping goods in Australia. Strong and sustained action is central to safeguarding young Australians and the wider community from the harms associated with unlawful vapes.'
Quotes attributable to a spokesperson for Queensland Health
'We have taken tough enforcement action, putting another significant dent in the state’s illicit tobacco and vape black market.'
'Our strict illicit tobacco and vape laws are among the strongest in the nation and have been instrumental in preventing millions of illicit products reaching our streets.'
'We will continue to work closely with other agencies to aggressively target illegal operators and monitor businesses to dismantle illicit supply chains across the state.'
ATO Assistant Commissioner Pennie Snowden
'The ATO is committed to supporting the National Disruption Group to help maximise disruption efforts within the illicit tobacco environment. These results highlight the impact agencies have when we coordinate and leverage our capabilities.'
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