ABF Assistant Commissioner Tony Smith noted a focus on containers, air cargo, and travelers suspected of tobacco smuggling, with ongoing collaboration with partner agencies domestically and internationally.

NDG estimates about AUD 4.23 million in duty evaded as part of the illicit tobacco supply chain.

Operation Printwall, launched in December 2025, aims to disrupt illicit tobacco and vaping products entering Australia, complementing current actions.

Across NSW, 24 Central Coast retailers and four air cargo depots were targeted, resulting in the seizure of over 2.5 million illicit cigarettes, 158 kg of loose-leaf tobacco, nearly 97,000 vaping devices, 260 cigars, and 800 nicotine pouches, with nine people of interest identified.

In ACT, inspections at six Canberra retail outlets yielded massive seizures: more than 455,100 illicit cigarettes, about 26 kg of loose-leaf tobacco, over 1,640 vaping devices, roughly AUD 27,400 in cash, and over 6,290 cigars, with six people of interest identified.

The National Disruption Group (NDG) has 29 external partnerships spanning federal, state, and territory agencies and industry sectors, enabling coordinated investigations and enforcement actions that continue.

Supportive voices from ABF, NSW Health, NSW Police, NSW Crime Commission, ACT Government, ACIC, TGA, ACT Policing, and AFP emphasize interagency cooperation, public health protection, disruption of criminal networks, and commitment to eradicating illicit tobacco.

NDG will analyse collected information to pursue further disruption, including potential business closures, license revocations, financial and visa reviews, and ongoing agency information sharing.

Authorities issued 23 short-term closure orders at non-compliant retailers, with one additional re-closure under an existing order, and identified 15 persons of interest.

The NDG’s second operation, TEMPEST26, spanned New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, continuing the nationwide disruption effort.

The current operation follows the NDG’s first phase in Queensland and South Australia, forming part of a coordinated week of action from April 20–24, 2026, targeting more than 34 locations.

Officials highlight the massive scale of the illicit tobacco trade and the aim to curb it offshore, at the border, and domestically, stressing economic pressure on criminal operators.