Key points
• A search warrant was executed at a Riverwood warehouse in Sydney’s southwest on Jan. 19, 2026
• Illicit tobacco and vape products valued at over A$1.6 million were seized (about US$1.09 million, A$1 = US$0.68)
• Seizures included 40,000 branded cigarettes, 601 kg of molasses tobacco, loose-leaf tobacco, nicotine pouches and branded vapes
• Two men (44 and 26) were arrested; A$6,000 cash and an electronic stun device were seized from a vehicle
• Both men were granted conditional bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Feb. 10, 2026
2Firsts, January 22, 2026
According to C-store, a joint operation in Australia’s New South Wales led to the seizure of illicit tobacco and vape products worth more than A$1.6 million (about US$1.09 million, at A$1 = US$0.68) in Sydney’s southwest, with two men set to face court.
During a search of a warehouse on Schofield Street in Riverwood, Australian Border Force officers seized 40,000 branded cigarettes, 601 kg of molasses tobacco, 455 pouches of branded loose-leaf tobacco, 3.2 kg of unbranded loose-leaf tobacco, 499 packets of nicotine pouches, 185 branded vapes and 2,040 assorted cigarettes.
Investigators attached to the Bankstown Region Enforcement Squad, assisted by the State Crime Command Organised Crime Squad and the ABF-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce, commenced an investigation in January 2026 into the importation and possession of large commercial quantities of illicit tobacco products.
At about 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, police and ABF officers executed a search warrant at the Riverwood warehouse. A 44-year-old man was arrested inside the premises, while a 26-year-old man was arrested after driving past. Police searching the younger man’s vehicle seized A$6,000 in cash and an electronic stun device.
Both men were taken to Campsie Police Station. The 44-year-old was charged with possessing a commercial quantity of vaping goods. The 26-year-old was charged with recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and possession of a prohibited weapon. Both were granted conditional bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026.
Image source: C-store
We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.
Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
Notice
1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.
2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.
4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.
Copyright
This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.
For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.
We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com
