NSW Police, in collaboration with NSW Health and the Australian Border Force (ABF), have seized over 18,000 vapes, 1.9 million cigarettes, 74 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, and five unregistered firearms during a week-long enforcement campaign under Strike Force Franklin.
Four people were arrested following coordinated raids on the Far North Coast. The seized goods were valued at AUD 2.36 million (USD 1.54 million).
Key Highlights
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Joint operation by NSW Police, ABF, and NSW Health under Strike Force Franklin.
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Seizures: 18,000+ vapes, 1.9 million cigarettes, 74kg of tobacco, and 5 firearms.
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Four suspects were charged with money laundering and organised crime offences.
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Estimated street value: AUD 2.36 million (USD 1.54 million).
Strike Force Franklin: Coordinated Crackdown on Organised Crime
On November 3, 2025, the NSW Police Organised Crime Squad, together with state and federal partners, executed a coordinated series of raids across the Far North Coast as part of Strike Force Franklin.
The task force, created in December 2024, is a joint initiative of the NSW Police State Crime Command, NSW Crime Commission, ABF, ACIC, and police from Queensland and Victoria.
Raids Across Mullumbimby and Northern NSW
Between October 27–30, 2025, investigators raided multiple storage units and homes in Mullumbimby, uncovering significant caches of illicit tobacco products.
Seized items included 17,120 vapes, 1.8 million cigarettes, 62kg of loose-leaf tobacco, $40,000 in cash, and several firearms.
Arrests and Charges
A 27-year-old man and two others, aged 24 and 41, were arrested and charged with:
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Possession of commercial quantities of vapes.
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Dealing with proceeds of crime.
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Participation in a criminal group.
A 40-year-old woman was later arrested and charged with similar offences.
Additional Inspections by NSW Health
NSW Health inspectors conducted separate inspections at retail locations in Byron Bay and Tweed Heads, seizing an additional 1,693 vapes, 89,746 cigarettes, and 11.5kg of tobacco.
The combined seizures across all operations were valued at AUD 2.36 million (USD 1.54 million).
Officials Warn Against Illicit Trade
Detective Chief Superintendent Grant Taylor stated:
- “The sale of illicit tobacco across NSW is fuelling the rise in sophisticated crime networks. We must work collaboratively with state and federal agencies to stamp out these syndicates before they endanger our communities further.”
ABF Commander Greg Dowse emphasized the strength of the multi-agency partnership, highlighting efforts to disrupt supply chains from border to retail.
Chief Health Officer Dr. Kerry Chant warned that retailers face severe penalties. Including fines of up to $660,000 for individuals and $880,000 for corporations, urging smokers to consider quitting for their health and their families.
