Editors note: Video footage and imagery are available for download here.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have seized approximately 3.6 million cigarettes and more than five (5) tonnes of loose-leaf tobacco during illicit tobacco warrants in Sydney's west and north, targeting a local tobacco supply network.
ABF Regional Investigations NSW commenced an investigation in January 2026, after a consignment of approximately 10 tonnes of illicit tobacco was detected at the ABF's Port Botany facility.
Following further investigations, this consignment was then linked to three previous consignments allegedly containing millions of illicit cigarettes.
The ABF will allege the criminal syndicate utilised several business names to import illicit tobacco, then moved the consignments to a storage unit at Auburn.
Following extensive investigations, ABF Investigators executed simultaneous Commonwealth search warrants on Monday 9 March 2026, across multiple locations in Sydney, including an address in South Strathfield, and a storage unit in Auburn.
At the storage unit, officers seized:
27 pallets of tobacco, with an estimated weight of 5 tonnes;
2.6 million cigarettes;
One (1) pallet of BB Guns; and
Documentation relevant to the investigation.
Whilst there, ABF Investigators with assistance from ABF Field Operations officers identified two men, aged 25 and 47, who were found to be unlawful non-citizens and were later detained.
During the Strathfield warrant, officers located and seized approximately $263,000 cash, 400 illicit cigarettes, and digital devices which will undergo further forensic testing.
Following further enquiries, two additional Commonwealth search warrants were executed in Chipping Norton and Rydalmere on Friday 13 March 2026. During the search at the Chipping Norton premises, ABF officers located and seized more than 1 million cigarettes and over 17kg of loose tobacco.
Investigations remain ongoing.
Superintendent Shaun Baker said illicit tobacco and cigarette smuggling is not a victimless crime.
“Illegal profits in Australia often fuel serious criminality here and overseas," Supt Baker said.
“This operation highlights the ABF's commitment to shutting down illicit tobacco networks. We are making Australia's border – and beyond it – a hostile environment for anyone seeking to profit from criminal behaviour, and we will keep applying pressure at every point in the supply chain."
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report to Border Watch online. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
