Key Points
- ABF and China Customs’ Anti-Smuggling Bureau cooperated to dismantle an international illicit tobacco smuggling network targeting Australia.
- The operation involved 112 containers, with 91 found to contain illicit tobacco.
- Authorities seized more than 60 million cigarettes and 60 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, representing over A$92 million in unpaid duties.
- China Customs’ Anti-Smuggling Bureau has shared offshore intelligence with ABF since July 1, 2025, contributing to additional detections of illicit tobacco and vape products.
- More than 60 people suspected of involvement in the network were arrested in China.
2Firsts
August 20, 2026
According to The Maritime Executive on August 19, 2026, the Australian Border Force (ABF) and China’s Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of China Customs worked together to dismantle an international illicit tobacco smuggling network targeting Australia.
According to information released by ABF on August 20, sustained information sharing and close cooperation between the two agencies led to investigations into 112 shipping containers departing China and scheduled to arrive in Australia. Of those containers, 91 were found to contain illicit tobacco products.
Known as Project SEAHORSE and Operation TRAILBLAZER, the operation resulted in the seizure of more than 60 million illicit cigarettes and 60 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, representing more than A$92 million in unpaid tobacco duties. More than 60 people suspected of involvement in the network were arrested in China.
Intelligence Sharing Identified Suspicious Shipments
The operation was built around intelligence sharing and investigative cooperation between Australian and Chinese customs authorities.
ABF said information provided by China Customs’ Anti-Smuggling Bureau helped identify suspected illicit tobacco shipments.
According to ABF, since July 1, 2025, China Customs’ Anti-Smuggling Bureau has shared offshore intelligence with ABF officers. The cooperation has contributed to the detection of more than 89 million cigarettes, 11 tonnes of loose-leaf tobacco and one million vapes at the Australian border.
For this operation, authorities identified suspicious containers scheduled to arrive in Australia between January and May 2026.
ABF officers conducted targeted inspections after the containers arrived, with most reaching ports in Sydney.
Smuggling Network Hid Tobacco Among Legitimate Cargo
Investigators found that the network used complex transportation methods to conceal illicit tobacco shipments.
According to investigations, the illicit tobacco was suspected to have been manufactured in Southeast Asia before being smuggled into China.
The products were then moved through logistics centres and concealed among legitimate cargo before being shipped to Australia.
The shipments were disguised as goods including LED lamps and printers in an attempt to avoid border detection.
91 Containers Found Carrying Illicit Tobacco
Following inspections, ABF found that 91 of the 112 containers contained illicit tobacco products.
The seized products mainly included illicit cigarettes and loose-leaf tobacco.
ABF said the operation involved more than A$92 million in unpaid tobacco duties.
ABF Assistant Commissioner Targeting and Intelligence Operations Penelope Spies said the operation was one of Australia’s significant international illicit tobacco disruptions and highlighted the importance of information-sharing arrangements and operational partnerships with international customs law enforcement counterparts.
She said:
“This outcome demonstrates the value of working beyond Australia's borders to stop illicit tobacco before it reaches Australian communities.”
Authorities Highlight Continued Cooperation Against Smuggling
Mr. Wang He, Deputy Director General, Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of China Customs, said the joint operation disrupted a major smuggling route for illicit tobacco into and via mainland China.
He said:
“This joint operation effectively cut off a major smuggling route of illicit tobacco into and via mainland China, delivering significant disruption to cross border illicit activities of tobacco smuggling.”
Wang He added:
“The Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of China Customs remains committed to strengthening cooperation with the Australian Border Force and other international partners to combat cross-border smuggling activities and protect the integrity of global trade.”
The operation demonstrates how intelligence sharing and investigative cooperation between customs authorities can support efforts against international illicit tobacco networks.
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Cover Image source: Australian Border Force
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