Police uncover huge $1m haul of illegal tobacco and vapes in van

Police have charged a Sydney man after discovering nearly $1m worth of illicit smokes and tobacco during a routine traffic inspection near Forster.

A Sydney man has been charged after police uncovered nearly $1m worth of illicit tobacco products during a vehicle stop near Forster.

At 8.30am Tuesday, Highway Patrol officers stopped a northbound van on the Pacific Highway at Coolongolook, 20 kilometres west of Forster.

Police spoke with the 54-year-old driver before searching the vehicle.

During the search, officers allegedly found approximately 450 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, 190,000 cigarettes and 7,000 vapes.

The haul was valued at $978,600. Picture: AAP Image/ Joe Castro

Police estimate the combined potential street value of the haul at $978,600.

The man was arrested and taken to Nabiac Police Station, where he was issued a Court Attendance Notice for two counts of goods suspected stolen in or on premises.

He is due to appear before Forster Local Court on January 28.