Arabic version: مداهمات على مستوى البلاد تستهدف التبغ غير المشروع في محطات الخدمة

According to ABC News, more than 100 service stations across Australia were raided in a coordinated operation targeting suspected criminal activity and the alleged sale of illicit tobacco and vapes.

The Australian Border Force said nearly 300 personnel took part in Tuesday’s campaign, which covered every state and territory except Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Fifteen federal and state agencies joined Operation Shorthand under the Illicit Tobacco National Disruption Group, established by the federal government in 2025.

Footage from one raid showed officers entering a service station and seizing imported tobacco packets and cash. ABF Assistant Commissioner Customs Compliance and Enforcement Tony Smith said criminal actors had shifted sales from traditional tobacconists to convenience stores, milk bars and service stations in an effort to evade detection and enforcement.

AFP Superintendent Crime Command Jim Rowe said intelligence indicated illicit tobacco sales were connected to organised crime and could fund further criminal activity. The ABF said the operation remained active while agencies assessed evidence, and some targeted service stations could be temporarily closed.

Metro Petroleum said nine of its stores had received closure orders and that it had begun terminating arrangements with the independent operators. The company said it did not operate, staff or manage the retail businesses and had a zero-tolerance approach to illicit tobacco and vaping product sales.