Authorities Seize 365,000 Illegal Cigarettes in Hobart and Launceston Raids

A multi-agency operation targeting freight facilities in Mornington, Bridgewater, Goodwood and St Leonards has uncovered a significant haul of illicit tobacco and vaping products.

Concerns over the open sale of illegal tobacco in Hobart suburbs have been followed by a major statewide crackdown, with authorities seizing hundreds of thousands of illicit cigarettes and kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco in recent weeks.

A multi-agency “week of action” from June 15 to 19 saw officers from the Department of Health, supported by Tasmania Police, raid four freight forwarding facilities, according to a joint media release. The targeted locations were in Mornington and Bridgewater in Hobart’s south, Goodwood in the north, and St Leonards in Launceston.

The raids resulted in the seizure of more than 365,000 illicit cigarettes, approximately 156 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, and over 1,600 vaping devices.

The Tasmanian operation was part of a national effort, Operation TEMPEST, led by the Australian Border Force (ABF). The ABF reported that across Tasmania and Victoria, the combined seizures from the operation represented an estimated $7.9 million in evaded duty.

Detective Inspector Troy Morrisby from Tasmania Police’s Crime and Intelligence Command said police were working with partner agencies to dismantle the criminal networks involved in the trade. “Tasmania Police continues to work closely with our enforcement partners to dismantle the criminal networks driving the illicit tobacco and vaping trade,” he said.

The seizures come as the Tasmanian Government introduces tougher penalties for selling illegal tobacco. In late June, the state parliament passed the Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026. According to the Tasmanian Government, the new laws introduce significantly higher penalties, with fines of more than $600,000, and provide new powers to shut down businesses caught selling illegal products.

The issue of illegal tobacco sales was recently highlighted by ABC News, which aired a talkback caller’s account of purchasing illicit products in Hobart.

The Tasmanian Government stated that enforcement activities by the Department of Health and Tasmania Police since July 2025 have resulted in the seizure of illicit products worth more than $6.8 million.