Two Chinese travellers have been detained and sent home after almost 70,000 undeclared cigarettes were located in their luggage at Sydney International Airport.
The pair arrived on a flight from Shanghai on Tuesday (7 January 2025) and were selected by ABF officers for baggage examinations.
During the examinations, ABF officers located various brands of undeclared cigarettes totalling 69,040 sticks. It is estimated the total taxes which would have been evaded is more than $940,000.
The cigarettes were seized and ABF officers interviewed the men resulting in both of their visas being cancelled. The pair were detained under s189 (1) of the Migration Act 1958 and have since been removed from Australia at their own expense.
ABF Superintendent Elke West warned travellers attempting to smuggle illicit cigarettes into Australia that they will be dealt with swiftly by ABF officers.
"If you don't declare your tobacco products, we will seize them and may cancel your visa, which may see you excluded from returning to Australia for up to three years," Superintendent West said.
"The illicit tobacco trade is not a victimless crime - organised criminal networks use the proceeds to fund other illegal activities which can lead to violent crimes."
"Our officers play an important role at the border preventing all illicit and illegal items from coming into the country - and we are committed to doing our bit to protect the community."
Passengers seeking more information on what can be brought into Australia can check the ABF website here: www.abf.gov.au
Information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders can be provided to Border Watch online.
