Illegal tobacco syndicate dominates Australia’s vape market through threats and extortion

Nov.03

Australia’s The Age has revealed that a local tobacco cartel is working with a crime syndicate to dominate the illicit vape trade. The Australian Border Force (ABF) intercepted 115,200 vapes worth A$4.5 million disguised as “furniture” at Sydney port. Authorities say over 12 million illegal vapes have been seized since 2024.

Key Point

The Age reports that Australia’s illicit tobacco cartel is controlling the local vape black market through threats and extortion.
The vape brand Alibarbar has become the dominant product, reportedly sold in about 90% of shops by mid-2025.
Since 2024, the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have seized more than 12 million illegal vapes.

2Firsts, November 3, 2025 —According to Australian media outlet The Age, Australia’s illicit tobacco cartel is exerting control over the domestic vape black market through threats and extortion. The vape brand Alibarbar has emerged as the primary product circulating in this underground market and is now sold in more than 90% of retail outlets.

In July 2025, the cargo ship Cosco Singapore docked in Sydney, where the Australian Border Force (ABF), acting on intelligence, seized 115,200 vapes hidden in four containers. The shipment, loaded in Shenzhen and falsely declared as “furniture,” carried a street value of approximately AUD 4.5 million (USD 2.95 million).

The report cited industry intelligence showing that Alibarbar first appeared in illicit tobacco shops in May 2024 and, by August 2025, had spread to over 90% of such outlets.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) confirmed that, since January 2024, the ABF and TGA have jointly seized more than 12 million illegal vapes.

Cover image source: The Age

References:

[1] The deported kingpin, the Chinese gang and the vape brand controlling an Australian black market

Also Read:

[1] Australian Federal Police Dismantles WA Illegal Tobacco Network Linked to National Syndicate

[2] Australia TGA Warns Delivery Platforms: Don’t Promote or Supply Vapes Illegally

[3] Australian Border Force Seizes 586M Cigarettes and 3M Vapes in Record First Quarter

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