Largest Tobacco Bust in Queensland's History

Strategic Insights -

A joint operation between the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has resulted in one of the largest tobacco busts in the state's history, with over 30 million cigarettes, 395,000 vapes, and 4,650 kilograms of tobacco seized. The operation, initiated by the QPS's Money Laundering Unit in February, targeted suspected money laundering activities linked to an organized crime syndicate. The collaboration between the ABF and QPS has delivered historic results, with the total duty evaded for the seizures of cigarettes and tobacco estimated to be over $53.8 million, and the estimated street value of vapes around $20 million.

Key Takeaways:

  • Operation Xray Modred was initiated in February by the QPS's Money Laundering Unit to target suspected money laundering activities linked to an organized crime syndicate.
  • Over three days in August, ABF officers executed warrants across 17 storage sheds in Rothwell, North Lakes, and Brendale, locating over 30 million cigarettes, 395,000 vapes, and 4,650 kilograms of tobacco.
  • At the same time, QPS detectives, in collaboration with Taskforce Masher and Queensland Health compliance officers, executed warrants at eight tobacconists and six residential addresses, locating a further 450,000 illicit cigarettes, 6,000 vapes, 500 kilograms of tobacco, and $1 million in cash.
  • The total duty evaded for the seizures of cigarettes and tobacco is estimated to be over $53.8 million, while the estimated street value of vapes is around $20 million.
  • The ABF and QPS collaboration has helped deliver historic results, with one of the largest illicit tobacco busts in Queensland's history.
  • Queensland Acting Premier Jarrod Bleijie has applauded the efforts by agencies to confiscate items and has committed to a zero-tolerance approach to illegal vapes, tobacco, and drugs.

Statistics:

  • 30,000,000+ cigarettes seized
  • 395,000 vapes seized
  • 4,650 kilograms of tobacco seized
  • 450,000 illicit cigarettes seized
  • 6,000 vapes seized
  • 500 kilograms of tobacco seized
  • $1,000,000 in cash seized
  • $53.8 million estimated duty evaded for seized cigarettes and tobacco
  • $20 million estimated street value of vapes

Sources:

  • Australian Border Force
  • Queensland Police Service
  • Queensland Government - Office of the Premier