Australian Border Force (ABF) officers posted overseas in Beijing have prevented over 600,000 illegal vapes from hitting our streets after information sharing led to the referral of almost 70 high risk containers.
The majority of the seized vapes - which had a street value of approximately AUD $30M, arrived into NSW between September and October 2025, and was the direct result of effective collaboration and cooperation between and ABF officers based overseas and their international counterparts.
The information allowed ABF officers to identify several other shipments related to the initial referrals, with majority of the containers falsely described as items such as glass bottles, lamps, toy cars, balls, curtains and books in an attempt to evade border detection.
The efforts of the ABF's international network have been critical in enabling engagement with international l authorities, fostering trusted relationships, and providing timely exchanges of information in support of offshore disruption and detections at the border.
Between 1 January and 31 October 2025, the ABF has received over 1,000 referrals from offshore counterparts, stopping over 524 million cigarette sticks, over 1 million vapes and over 918 tonnes of loose-leaf tobacco from entering Australia.
Acting Commander of Targeting, Laura Uttley said a key element of the ABF's strategy for combatting illicit tobacco and vapes and other prohibited goods is to disrupt the flow into Australia as far upstream from the border as possible.
"The engagement that goes on behind the scenes with our international partner agencies needs to be commended – ABF officers posted overseas are dedicated to developing and nurturing international relationships which have led to enormous amounts of illicit tobacco, vapes and other high-risk commodities being stopped at the border," Commander Uttley said.
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"This outcome is a testament to our officers both offshore and onshore who have turned information into action, and who have not only stopped dangerous and illegal goods from entering our country, but who have further built on our understanding of how threat actors are attempting to exploit the Australian border, increasing our ability to detect and seize more suspicious consignments".
"These activities also allow the ABF to increase our intelligence holdings in order to disrupt the organised crime syndicates behind the shipments".
This result follows on from last year's record-breaking referral where over 691,000 vapes – the largest detection to date, were seized between September and October 2024 following referral from an international partner, showcasing the importance of international partnerships in border enforcement.
The ABF remains committed to protecting Australia's borders, safeguarding the community and preserving government revenue by stopping illicit tobacco and vape products from entering the country.
Anyone with information about the importation of illicit tobacco or cigarettes should contact Border Watch at abf.gov.au/borderwatch. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community. Information can be provided anonymously.