Australian police seize tobacco and vape products in roadside stop: goods valued at A$784,950

Feb.26

Australian police say that during a roadside inspection in southern New South Wales, they seized 293,200 cigarettes, 265kg of hard-pressed tobacco leaf and 2,290 vape products from a van bearing Victorian number plates, with an estimated street value of A$784,950.

Key Takeaways

Time: About 7:45am on February 23, 2026; roadside stop on the Hume Highway at Bookham.
Seizure: 293,200 cigarettes; 265kg of hard-pressed tobacco leaf; 2,290 vape products.
Value: A$784,950 (about US$518,067, converted at A$1 = US$0.66).

2Firsts, February 26, 2026

According to Young Witness, Australian police say they seized a large quantity of cigarettes, tobacco leaf and vape products during a roadside stop in southern New South Wales, and a man has been charged.

Police said that at about 7:45am on Monday, February 23, 2026, officers patrolling the Hume Highway at Bookham pulled over a van with Victorian number plates.

Police said a search of the vehicle led to the seizure of 293,200 individual cigarettes, 265kg of hard-pressed tobacco leaf, and 2,290 individual vape products. Police estimated the total “street value” at about A$784,950 (about US$518,067, converted at A$1 = US$0.66).

Police said the 58-year-old male driver was arrested and taken to Yass Police Station, and he has been charged with two offences.

Cover image source: Young Witness

References:

[1] $784,000 worth of tobacco and vapes seized by police

Also Read:

[1] Five Inner West Sydney shops shut for 90 days after 780,000 illicit cigarettes and 2,200 illegal vapes seized

[2] Consultation opens for Tasmania’s Public Health Amendment Bill 2026

[3] Australian Border Force: Illegal tobacco and vaping products worth A$1 billion in tax revenue gap intercepted in Q2 2025

[4] TGA Sets 2026–2027 Compliance Principles, Flags Vaping Goods as a 2026 Priority

[5] Australia: NSW police and ABF seize illicit tobacco and vapes worth over A$1.6 million in Sydney’s southwest

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