AUST TOP TARGET OF TOBACCO CRIME

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 45 per cent increase on the previous year.

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

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

ABF spokeswoman Commander Susan Drennan said criminal groups that attempted to facilitate the trade should stop wasting their time and money.

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

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.