01/10/2024
Australian Border Force (ABF) is warning international travellers attempting to smuggle illicit tobacco into Australia that they will be caught, have their visas cancelled, and may face an exclusion period of up to three years from re-entering the country.
Since 1 July 2024, ABF officers around the country have intercepted and refused immigration clearance to 24 passengers attempting to smuggle more than 800,000 undeclared cigarettes, with estimated duty evaded of over $1 million, through airports around Australia.
Commander Ken McKern said investigations suggest the intercepted travellers were likely working for criminal syndicates.
“Recently, there has been increasing detections of passengers departing from airports across Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore attempting to smuggle cigarettes into Australia,” Commander McKern said.
“What we find is that passengers attempt to smuggle undeclared cigarettes in their luggage via carry-on or checked luggage before passing them to criminal groups in Australia.
“There is a common misconception that engaging in the illicit tobacco trade is a victimless crime, but it is far from it.
“Organised criminal groups generate significant profits from the sale of illicit tobacco, which fund other criminal activities such as illicit drug trafficking.”
Recent examples of ABF interceptions of international travellers attempting to smuggle undeclared cigarettes through Australian airports include the following:
- On 7 September 2024, ABF officers intercepted four Japanese nationals attempting to smuggle 141,015 cigarettes in their luggage through Brisbane International Airport.
- On 24 August 2024, ABF officers intercepted two Japanese nationals attempting to smuggle more than 70,600 cigarettes in their luggage through Melbourne International Airport – ABF officers prove a real drag to ciggie smugglers; visas gone in a puff of smoke.
- On 30 July 2024, ABF officers intercepted a Japanese national attempting to smuggle more than 34,000 cigarettes in his luggage through Perth International Airport – Ciggie smuggling scheme stymied by ABF officers.
- From 5 to 6 July 2024, ABF officers intercepted nine Japanese nationals attempting to smuggle more than 330,000 cigarettes in their luggage through Sydney International Airport – No ifs or butts for passengers stopped at Sydney Airport.
In all of the cases mentioned, ABF officers seized the cigarettes and cancelled the travellers’ visas under Section 116 of the Migration Act 1958. Those caught were removed from Australia at their own expense.
Australia’s interim Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette (ITEC) Commissioner, Erin Dale, said the ABF works collaboratively with customs administrations across the world to prevent the flow of illicit tobacco to Australia and to ensure travellers understand the consequences of attempting to import undeclared cigarettes and tobacco into the country.
“However, enforcement at the border is only one response that complements a range of activities, including education, health and domestic enforcement and compliance. Border enforcement alone cannot stem the flow of illicit goods into Australia,” Commissioner Dale said.
“Illegal importers are determined to circumvent border controls and take advantage of the Australian people.
“The trade is both domestic and international in scope and we’re working to ensure collaborative efforts between local, state, federal, and international law enforcement partners to combat the issue.”
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