A 32-year-old Sydney man has (7 August 2026) been sentenced for his involvement in a sophisticated illicit tobacco smuggling and distribution ring in NSW.
The Chinese national first came to the attention of the Australian Border Force (ABF)-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce after receiving information from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Further investigations identified the man as the ringleader of a criminal syndicate believed to be importing, distributing and selling illicit tobacco and vape products throughout NSW.
This intelligence led to the ITTF and AFP executing several Commonwealth warrants in early 2024 supported by Therapeutic Goods Administration, NSW Health and the NSW Police Force under Operation CALOR.
This led to the seizure of approximately 5.6 million cigarettes, 404kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 210,000 vapes and drug paraphernalia, with an estimated total street value of the illicit goods located and seized during the operation of $12.5 million.
The man pled guilty to the following offences at the Downing Centre District Court and has been sentenced to 2 years and 16 months to be served by way of Intensive Correction Orders and a AUD $100,00 fine:
- One proceeds of crime offence, contrary to s 400.9(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
