images can be downloaded here
The Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of China Customs (ASB) have dismantled the operations of an international criminal syndicate responsible for large-scale illicit tobacco smuggling operations targeting Australia.
The arrest of more than 60 individuals in China suspected to be involved in the sophisticated criminal network and sustained information sharing and close collaboration between both countries led to the referral of 112 shipping containers to ABF officers in Beijing en-route to Australia.
Named Project SEAHORSE and Operation TRAILBLAZER, the consignments linked to the smuggling ring were suspected to contain illicit tobacco and were due to arrive in ports across Australia between January and May 2026.
Acting swiftly on this information, ABF officers conducted targeted inspections of all identified containers upon arrival in Australia, the majority of which arrived in Sydney. Of these, 91 containers were found to contain illicit tobacco, resulting in the seizure of over 60 million cigarettes and 60 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, with a combined duty evaded of over AUD $92 million.
Investigations by ASB identified the syndicate’s complex smuggling methods, which involved illicit tobacco suspected to be manufactured in Southeast Asia and smuggled into China. The tobacco was then transported to logistics centres, concealed within legitimate cargo under cover loads such as LED lamps and printers, then shipped from Shanghai to Australia in an attempt to evade border detection.
ABF Assistant Commissioner Targeting and Intelligence Operations Penelope Spies said it was one of the most significant international illicit tobacco disruptions involving Australia, highlighting the critical importance of strong operational partnerships and trusted information-sharing arrangements with international customs law enforcement counterparts.
“This outcome demonstrates the value of working beyond Australia’s borders to stop illicit tobacco before it reaches Australian communities,” Assistant Commissioner Spies said
“This exceptional result would not have been possible without the close and enduring partnership between the Australian Border Force and the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of China Customs, and I thank them for their continued support.
“We use comprehensive and trusted targeting intelligence – including from offshore partners and international referrals, that allow us to target specific containers and consignments to ensure our resources are focused where they will have the greatest impact.”
Since 1 July 2025 the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of China Customs has shared information with ABF officers offshore resulting in the detections of over 89 million cigarettes, 11 tonnes of loose-leaf tobacco and 1 million vapes at the Australian border.
Mr. Wang He, Deputy Director General, Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of China Customs said this joint operation effectively cut off a major smuggling route of illicit tobacco into and via mainland China, delivering significant disruption to cross border illicit activities of tobacco smuggling.
“The Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of China Customs remains committed to strengthening cooperation with the Australian Border Force and other international partners to combat cross-border smuggling activities and protect the integrity of global trade.”
