Customs and Border Protection has seized more than 10 million cigarettes, illegally imported into Australia.
On Wednesday, 28 November Customs and Border Protection officers examined a sea cargo container, said to contain ceramic tiles. The container was destined for an address in Sydney.
The container was x-rayed and officers immediately noticed anomalies. Officers opened the container and found it to be filled with numerous cartons, estimated to contain over 10 million cigarettes. This represented almost $4 million in evaded revenue.
Customs and Border Protection national manager investigations Kingsley Woodford-Smith said the smuggling of tobacco is a serious crime as it defrauds the community of legitimate revenue.
“When officers x-rayed the container, it was immediately apparent that the goods had been intentionally mislabelled, in a poor attempt to avoid paying duty,” Mr Woodford-Smith said.
Mr Woodford-Smith said anyone with information about tobacco smuggling should call the Customs Watch number on 1800 06 1800, or report online at www.customs.gov.au/customswatch. You can remain anonymous.
Recent amendments to the Customs Act have increased the maximum penalty for smuggling such goods. If caught, criminals now face up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine equalling five times the duty evaded, or both.
