In a major breakthrough, Australian authorities have seized approximately 45 million illicit cigarettes, with an estimated street value of $31 million, in one of the country’s largest tobacco-related crackdowns.
The operation, which took place between 24 June and 15 July, involved the discovery of four containers filled with contraband tobacco at the New South Wales border. The illegal goods were intercepted by the Multi-Agency Strike Team (MAST), a coordinated taskforce made up of 41 officers from state and federal policing, intelligence, and enforcement agencies.
The seizure forms part of an ongoing investigation known as Strike Force Aulic, launched in September 2023 to target the large-scale importation and distribution of illicit tobacco and drugs. Detectives have identified Gurvinder Singh, a 42-year-old Sydney resident and Indian national, as a key suspect.
Singh has been served with a court attendance notice for two offences relating to the importation of tobacco products with the intent to defraud the Commonwealth. These charges relate to two of the containers carrying around 25 million cigarettes.
Authorities allege Singh played a leading role in a sophisticated criminal operation that illegally imported not only tobacco but also commercial quantities of narcotics. Previous investigations have linked him to attempts to smuggle 50 kilograms of cocaine from Panama, 280 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine from Canada, and 20 million cigarettes from the Middle East.
In relation to those incidents, Singh is facing multiple serious charges, including importing border-controlled substances, directing a criminal group, and dealing with the proceeds of crime. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Despite having no known links to organised crime or previous criminal record, Singh is alleged to have overseen complex smuggling operations and generated significant profits. Police believe he earned more than $440,000 by selling the illegal cigarettes on the Sydney black market.
One intercepted shipment is believed to have arrived from the United Arab Emirates earlier this year. Authorities also claim Singh used a freight company in the Sydney suburb of Punchbowl to move the illicit goods, and that he claimed to have the ability to bypass Australia’s border controls.
Seven additional men connected to the case have already been charged and are currently before the courts.
Singh is scheduled to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on 31 July. Investigations are continuing as police work to identify other individuals involved in the broader network.
Strike Force Aulic and MAST were created to respond to the growing challenge of transnational criminal operations that exploit international shipping and logistics systems. The taskforce brings together resources from the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, NSW Crime Commission, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, AUSTRAC and the Australian Taxation Office.
The collaborative approach gives authorities greater ability to share intelligence, conduct joint operations, and disrupt organised syndicates operating across jurisdictions. This seizure marks a significant milestone in the fight against illegal tobacco imports, which are estimated to cost Australian taxpayers hundreds of millions in lost revenue each year.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing and further charges may follow as they continue to dismantle the network behind the operation.
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