Crime syndicates target Oz with illegal tobacco as smokers look for cheap alternatives

Organised crime syndicates from Asia and the Middle East are trying to cash in on Australians seeking cheaper alternatives to legal tobacco.

Organised crime syndicates are trying – and failing – to import extraordinary amounts of illicit tobacco into the country.

The Australian Border Force detected 878.8 tonnes of undeclared loose leaf tobacco and 712.7 million undeclared cigarette sticks in 2021- a staggering 45 per cent increase on the previous year.

The combined weight of the illicit tobacco exceeds 1377 tonnes – the equivalent of seven-and-a-half Boeing 747s.

Most of the illicit tobacco consignments were sent from the Middle East and Asia.

Australia has become a top global target for black market tobacco traders in recent years, as criminals seek their share in deals costing the country in excess of $900 million annually.

ABF Trade and Travel Operations Commander Susan Drennan said criminal groups which attempted to facilitate the illegal trade should stop wasting their time and money.

The Australian Border Force seized more than 1377 tonnes of illicit tobacco at the country's borders in 2021. Picture: Supplied

Tobacco is a common choice for transnational criminal groups attempting to make profits at the expense of local communities. Picture: Supplied

“Our detection numbers show we are very alert to the different methods and patterns of concealment used in illicit tobacco importations at our borders,” Commander Drennan said.

“Our message to those who think they can import such large amounts of illicit tobacco and get away with it, is to think again.”

ABF Special Investigations Commander Greg Linsdell said tobacco was a common choice for transnational criminal groups attempting to make profits at the expense of local communities.

The rising cost of legal tobacco has drawn many consumers toward cheap illicit alternatives over the years.

“Organised crime groups capitalise on unwitting smokers looking for cheap cigarettes to enrich themselves and to fund other types of criminal activities that harm our community,” Commander Linsdell said.

Most of the illegal tobacco seized comes from the Middle East and Asia. Picture: Supplied

Penalties for smuggling tobacco are severe and can include up to 10 years prison. Picture: Supplied

He added those who bought illicit tobacco were lining the pockets of criminals and taking away from genuine retailers who abided by the law and supported their local community.

“If you are paying significantly less than normal retail for your tobacco, or if it is not in plain paper packaging then you know your money is going into the pockets of serious organised crime figures,” he said.

It’s estimated more than 400 stores in Victoria trade in illicit tobacco.

The Illicit Tobacco Taskforce, led by the ABF, targets and dismantles organised crime syndicates that deal in illicit tobacco.

The penalties for smuggling tobacco are severe and can include up to 10 years in prison and of up to five times the amount of duty evaded.

Anyone with information about illicit tobacco or cigarettes should contact Border Watch.