Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have seized three pallets of tobacco products as part of an investigation into the potential importation and sale of illicit tobacco and vape products.
In June, officers at Perth International Airport performed a baggage examination on a man, who was returning from an international flight.
They located and seized $29,000 of undeclared tobacco products including cigarettes, loose tobacco, and cigarillos.
It was revealed the man was the director of a privately-owned supermarket at Maddington, and further investigations were conducted.
ABF officers intercepted a consignment imported via Melbourne last Friday (19 July 2024), which contained:
- 135kg Al Fakher – a popular type of shisha tobacco
- 336,000 cigarettes
- 25.5kg molasses tobacco
WA Department of Health officers were also in attendance and seized 3,215 vapes.
It is believed all the seized products were intended to be sold at the WA supermarket and inquiries are continuing.
ABF Inspector Kelly Jorgensen said this activity is just one instance of the persistent work of the ABF to stop illegal products reaching Australian consumers.
"There are well documented links between the distribution and sale of illicit tobacco in Australia and organised crime syndicates," said Inspector Jorgensen.
"We know the same groups profiting from illicit tobacco are diversifying into the distribution of vapes."?
"Purchasing illicit tobacco and vapes is supporting organised crime."
"The profits from illicit tobacco are funnelled back to criminal syndicates, involved in serious crimes, such as drug trafficking and money laundering, to fund lavish lifestyles."
"Criminal groups have been known to pressure tobacco retailers across Australia to buy and sell their illicit product, and enforce compliance through violent acts, such as torching tobacco shops, stand over tactics and shootings."
Investigations remain ongoing.