Two Chinese travellers have been detained and deported after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers discovered nearly 70,000 undeclared cigarettes in their luggage at Sydney International Airport.
The men arrived from Shanghai on Tuesday, 7 January 2025, and were flagged for baggage inspections. Officers found multiple brands of undeclared cigarettes, amounting to 69,040 sticks. Authorities estimate the avoided taxes would have exceeded $940,000.

The undeclared cigarettes were seized, and the men’s visas were cancelled following interviews. Detained under Section 189(1) of the Migration Act 1958, they were subsequently removed from Australia at their own expense.
ABF Superintendent Elke West issued a stern warning to those attempting to smuggle illicit tobacco products. “If you don’t declare your tobacco products, we will seize them and may cancel your visa, which may see you excluded from returning to Australia for up to three years,” she said.

Superintendent West emphasised the broader impact of the illicit tobacco trade, linking it to organised crime and violent activities. “Our officers play an important role at the border, preventing all illicit and illegal items from entering the country – and we are committed to protecting the community,” she added.
The ABF continues to crack down on tobacco smuggling, warning travellers of the serious consequences of attempting to evade Australia’s strict border controls.
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