Investigations are underway following the detection and destruction of 18 million illicit cigarette sticks by the Australian Border Force (ABF).

Last month, information received by the ABF international network enabled the NSW Cargo Examination Facility to successfully intercept two sea cargo consignments declared as plywood. These consignments were referred to the ABF-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce (ITTF) for investigation.

The two consignments were found to contain a combined total of approximately 18 million illicit cigarette sticks with an excise value of over $20 million (excluding GST).

The penalties for smuggling illicit tobacco are severe and can include up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to five times the amount of duty evaded.

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