Interview with Assistant Commissioner Customs Compliance and Enforcement Tony Smith can be downloaded here and audio downloaded here
Interview with AFP Superintendent Crime Command Jim Rowe can be downloaded here
Vision of the operation can be downloaded here
The Illicit Tobacco National Disruption Group (NDG) has today (11 August 2026) coordinated a large-scale, multi-jurisdictional operation across Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, targeting the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes.
Titled Operation SHORTHAND, more than 100 service stations were simultaneously targeted with Commonwealth, State and Territory partner agencies across six jurisdictions, and involved the coordinated deployment of approximately 250 law enforcement and regulatory officers from 15 agencies.
Operation SHORTHAND was established following an intelligence referral into the NDG by the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, identifying alleged links between the service stations, suspected criminal activity and the alleged sale of illicit tobacco and vapes.
The operation remains active, with the NDG and partner agencies continuing to assess materials and information gathered during enforcement activities.
Further details, including official outcomes from the operation will be announced in due course.
Decisions regarding the temporary closure of service stations identified as selling illicit tobacco and vapes are the responsibility of the relevant state or territory agency and are exercised in accordance with that agency's legislative powers and authorities.
In determining any closure action, agencies carefully considered a range of operational and community factors, including the location of the premises and the availability of fuel and essential services for local consumers.
Agencies involved in the operation include:
The Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Therapeutic Goods Administration, Queensland Health, Queensland Police Service, New South Wales Health, New South Wales Police Force, NSW Crime Commission, Access Canberra, ACT Police, Tobacco Licensing Victoria, Victoria Police, South Australian Consumer and Business Services, Western Australian Health.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
