The seizures occurred across a wide range of
smuggling attempts. In one case, authorities dis-
covered 14.4 million cigarettes hidden inside a sea
cargo container arriving from China. In another,
2.5 tons of molasses tobacco concealed behind
shipments of fruit juice were intercepted. Offi-
cers also uncovered 52,800 vapes hidden in cargo
falsely declared as sporting equipment, including
trampolines and dumbbells. One particular postal
shipment contained vape liquids disguised as fra-
grance products.
A seemingly endless stream of other inci-
dents involves arriving plane passengers carrying
thousands of cigarettes in their luggage.
Yet, operations such as these apparently rep-
resent only a fraction of the illicit tobacco that is
actually entering the country day-in, day-out. "Our
agency is dedicated to breaking the business model
of illicit tobacco at every opportunity," said Greg
Dowse, ABF illicit tobacco and vape enforcement
commander in a recent press statement. "These
examples are just the tip of the iceberg on ABF's
response to tackling this black market and the
criminals behind it."
A black market fueled by high prices
The enormous price gap between legal and illicit
cigarettes lies at the heart of Australia's problem.
With legal packs now costing around A$50 or
A Swiss traveler was
intercepted at Perth
International Airport,
attempting to smuggle
a large stash of
cigarettes into Australia;
January 2026.
Credit: ABF
more, it is an attractive option for consumers to
go for illegal cigarettes, which are sold at dramati-
cally lower prices while still generating enormous
profits for criminal groups.
According to reporting by The New York
Times' Victoria Kim, the black market is now a
