Three Men Charged Over Alleged Illicit Tobacco and Vape Import Scheme in Sydney
By Neha · Published 15 Oct 2026 · Updated 15 Oct 2026
Sydney, NSW · New South Wales News
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Three Men Charged Over Alleged Illicit Tobacco and Vape Import Scheme in Sydney - Sydney, NSW
Smart summary
A multi-agency investigation has led to charges against three men, including a licensed post office manager, after police seized more than 3.3 million cigarettes and 14,040 vapes during searches across Sydney.
Three men have been charged following a joint investigation into the alleged importation and possession of large quantities of illicit tobacco and vaping products in New South Wales.
The investigation was conducted by the Multi Agency Strike Team (MAST), which brings together NSW Police and federal agencies, including the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and Australian Taxation Office. Investigators established Strike Force Kerani in June 2026 after receiving information about suspected illegal tobacco and vape activity involving a 62-year-old man employed in a senior role at a licensed post office north of Sydney.
Police allege the man used his position as a trusted insider to facilitate the movement of illicit products. Australia Post provided information to assist the investigation. The allegations do not mean that Australia Post itself was involved in the suspected criminal activity.
On 13 October 2026, investigators executed search warrants at properties in Berowra Heights, Zetland and Banksmeadow, and conducted a targeted vehicle stop in Banksmeadow.
During the operation, authorities seized $60,470 in cash, 3,365,800 cigarettes, 14,040 vapes, 9,049 tobacco pouches, 648 sachets of rolling tobacco and electronic devices.
The quantity of tobacco products seized was substantial, and investigators say the operation forms part of broader efforts to disrupt organised criminal networks involved in the illicit tobacco and vape trade.
The 62-year-old man was arrested in Berowra Heights and charged with offences relating to commercial quantities of vaping products and tobacco. He was granted conditional bail and is due to return to Hornsby Local Court on 18 November 2026.
A 36-year-old man arrested in Banksmeadow faces charges relating to commercial quantities of vaping products and tobacco, as well as allegedly dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was refused bail and appeared before a bail court on 14 October. A second 36-year-old man was also arrested in Banksmeadow and charged with commercial possession of vaping products. He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on 16 November 2026.
Police say illicit tobacco and vaping products can generate significant revenue for organised crime networks. Authorities are investigating how trusted positions within legitimate businesses may be exploited to help move prohibited or unlawfully held goods through supply chains.
The case is part of a wider law-enforcement effort involving state and Commonwealth agencies. Investigators say intelligence-sharing and coordinated searches are important to identifying people who allegedly facilitate organised criminal activity.
The seized products and cash are evidence in an ongoing investigation. The charges against the three men have not been proven in court, and each accused is entitled to the presumption of innocence. The investigation demonstrates the scale of the suspected illicit tobacco and vape trade and the enforcement focus on individuals alleged to help those networks operate.
TobaccoProductsIllicitInvestigationVaping
Three men have been charged following a joint investigation into the alleged importation and possession of large quantities of illicit tobacco and vaping products in New South Wales.
The investigation was conducted by the Multi Agency Strike Team (MAST), which brings together NSW Police and federal agencies, including the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and Australian Taxation Office. Investigators established Strike Force Kerani in June 2026 after receiving information about suspected illegal tobacco and vape activity involving a 62-year-old man employed in a senior role at a licensed post office north of Sydney.
Police allege the man used his position as a trusted insider to facilitate the movement of illicit products. Australia Post provided information to assist the investigation. The allegations do not mean that Australia Post itself was involved in the suspected criminal activity.
On 13 October 2026, investigators executed search warrants at properties in Berowra Heights, Zetland and Banksmeadow, and conducted a targeted vehicle stop in Banksmeadow.
During the operation, authorities seized $60,470 in cash, 3,365,800 cigarettes, 14,040 vapes, 9,049 tobacco pouches, 648 sachets of rolling tobacco and electronic devices.
The quantity of tobacco products seized was substantial, and investigators say the operation forms part of broader efforts to disrupt organised criminal networks involved in the illicit tobacco and vape trade.
The 62-year-old man was arrested in Berowra Heights and charged with offences relating to commercial quantities of vaping products and tobacco. He was granted conditional bail and is due to return to Hornsby Local Court on 18 November 2026.
A 36-year-old man arrested in Banksmeadow faces charges relating to commercial quantities of vaping products and tobacco, as well as allegedly dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was refused bail and appeared before a bail court on 14 October. A second 36-year-old man was also arrested in Banksmeadow and charged with commercial possession of vaping products. He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on 16 November 2026.
Police say illicit tobacco and vaping products can generate significant revenue for organised crime networks. Authorities are investigating how trusted positions within legitimate businesses may be exploited to help move prohibited or unlawfully held goods through supply chains.
The case is part of a wider law-enforcement effort involving state and Commonwealth agencies. Investigators say intelligence-sharing and coordinated searches are important to identifying people who allegedly facilitate organised criminal activity.
The seized products and cash are evidence in an ongoing investigation. The charges against the three men have not been proven in court, and each accused is entitled to the presumption of innocence. The investigation demonstrates the scale of the suspected illicit tobacco and vape trade and the enforcement focus on individuals alleged to help those networks operate.
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