Major Illicit Tobacco Bust on Far North Coast
NSW Police, supported by a coalition of state and federal agencies, have successfully dismantled an illicit tobacco and vaping operation on the state's Far North Coast. The extensive week-long action, conducted between Monday, October 27, and Thursday, October 30, 2025, resulted in the seizure of contraband valued at over $2.3 million and the charging of four individuals.
The operation, known as Strike Force Franklin, was established in December 2024 by the State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad. Its primary objective is to combat the illicit tobacco industry across New South Wales, focusing on disrupting criminal profits.
Multi-Agency Effort Yields Significant Seizures
The coordinated effort involved the NSW Police Organised Crime Squad, NSW Health, the Australian Border Force (ABF), the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), Queensland Police, and Victoria Police. Assistance was also provided by Raptor North and Operation Utah.
Detectives, following extensive investigations, identified a network allegedly using tobacconists on the Far North Coast to funnel criminal proceeds. The week of action concentrated on Mullumbimby, where search warrants were executed at three storage units and two homes.
The seized items included:
- Over 18,000 vapes (specifically 17,120 from storage units and 1,693 from inspections)
- Approximately 1.9 million illicit cigarettes (1.8 million from storage units and 89,746 from inspections)
- Around 74 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco (62kg from storage units and 11.5kg from inspections)
- Five unregistered firearms
- $40,000 in cash
- Mobile phones and electronic equipment
Four Individuals Charged
During the operation, four individuals were arrested and charged. On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, a 27-year-old man was arrested in Mullumbimby. He faces charges including possessing a commercial quantity of illicit vapes, dealing with proceeds of crime, and participating in a criminal group. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Byron Bay Local Court on November 24, 2025.
A 40-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Byron Bay Police Station, charged with similar offences, including two counts of dealing with proceeds of crime. She is also due to appear at Byron Bay Local Court on November 24, 2025.
Two other men, aged 24 and 41, were arrested at Mullumbimby homes. The 24-year-old man was charged with possessing illicit vapes, dealing with proceeds of crime, and participating in a criminal group, and is scheduled to appear at Byron Bay Local Court on November 24, 2025. The 41-year-old man was charged with five counts of possessing unregistered firearms and granted conditional bail to appear at Mullumbimby Local Court on December 3, 2025.
Official Statements
Commander Dowse of the NSW Police highlighted the collaborative nature of the operation, stating, 'This operation demonstrates the strength of our partnership with state and territory agencies across Australia; by combining our intelligence and operational capabilities we are striking at the heart of the major criminal syndicates behind the illicit tobacco market.'
Chief Health Officer Dr. Kerry Chant from NSW Health also commented on the success, noting, 'this operation is a great example of the cooperation between State and Federal enforcement agencies to disrupt the supply of unlawful tobacco and vaping products and to protect public health.'
6 Comments
eliphas
Seizing this quantity of contraband is a significant win for law enforcement and public safety. Yet, without addressing the socio-economic factors that lead people into these illicit trades, new networks will likely emerge.
paracelsus
It's certainly good to see illegal firearms removed from circulation, but as long as there's a market, illicit tobacco will find a way to be supplied. We need to address the underlying demand.
eliphas
It's reassuring to know authorities are working to disrupt criminal networks and protect public health. Still, the article doesn't mention any efforts to educate the public on the risks or offer support for those addicted, which would be a more holistic approach.
paracelsus
While the health concerns around illicit tobacco and vaping are valid, the high taxes on legal products often fuel these black markets. A more comprehensive approach might involve reviewing taxation policies.
eliphas
This bust won't stop the demand. People will always find a way to get what they want.
Michelangelo
A lot of resources for something people will just buy elsewhere. Pointless.