More than 100 service stations across the country have been raided in a coordinated blitz targeting “suspected criminal activity” and the alleged sale of illicit tobacco and vapes.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) said nearly 300 personnel were deployed to every state and territory except Tasmania and the Northern Territory on Tuesday as part of the coordinated campaign.
Fifteen federal and state agencies were involved in Operation Shorthand, including NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, operating under the Illicit Tobacco National Disruption Group (NDG), established by the federal government in 2025.
Footage of one raid showed officers entering a service station, seizing packets of imported tobacco boxes and cash.
ABF Assistant Commissioner Customs Compliance and Enforcement Tony Smith said all agencies had a shared goal of disrupting an evolving illegal tobacco trade.
“Criminal actors are continuing to adapt their business models and diversify their activities by moving away from traditional tobacconists and in to selling their products out of convenience stores, milk bars and even service stations,” he said.
“This diversification demonstrates an enforcement pressure from border agencies and our partners across the country and internationally is forcing criminal enablers to adapt their tactics to evade detection and enforcement.”
AFP Superintendent Crime Command Jim Rowe said their intelligence suggested the illegal tobacco trade was connected to organised crime.
“We have seen organised crime groups use the sales of illicit tobacco to fund further criminal activity,” he said.
“The aim of today’s enforcement activity for the AFP is to obtain information to help us identify the potential importation of illicit tobacco, distribution networks and how the proceeds of sales are collected and then distributed.”
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said that NSW Health was were part of the multi-agency effort.
“We work closely with our federal enforcement agencies to share intelligence around people who are doing the wrong thing,” he said.
“It’s not fair on legitimate small business owners, it’s not fair on the community or young children that these stores are popping up and are selling illegal products across the board.”
The ABF said the operation remained active as NDG agencies assessed evidence gathered during the raids.
Some of the targeted service stations may be closed temporarily.
The Motor Trades Association of Australia said it welcomed the heightened enforcement, and supported “the work of the Australian Border Force and law enforcement agencies in upholding the law”.
Independent chain moves to terminate contracts
A spokesperson for Metro Petroleum said the company had “a zero-tolerance approach to the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products” across all of its 350 stores in Australia and it would continue to cooperate with authorities.
“We are deeply disappointed to have been informed that nine stores have been issued with closure orders,” they added.
“Metro Petroleum can confirm that it has taken immediate steps to terminate its arrangements with these operators.”
The Metro spokesperson said it did not operate, staff or manage the retail businesses, which were run by independent operators responsible for complying with all laws relating to what is sold at their sites.
“Metro Petroleum receives no share of non-fuel sales,” the spokesperson said.
“Where Metro Petroleum becomes aware of unlawful conduct at any site connected with its brand, it acts immediately, including terminating lease arrangements and reporting the matter to the relevant authorities.”
Extracted in full from: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-11/service-stations-raided-over-illegal-tobacco-vapes/107025288
