China, Australia seize over 90 million cigarettes in joint probe

(ECNS) -- Chinese customs anti-smuggling authorities and the Australian Border Force have seized more than 90 million smuggled cigarettes in a joint operation against a transnational network that moved counterfeit tobacco products through China to Australia, China’s Ministry of Public Security said Thursday.

Investigators found counterfeit tobacco concealed among legitimate goods and shipped through China to Australia. Earlier, Chinese authorities dismantled nine smuggling groups and storage sites, seizing 32 million cigarettes. Intelligence shared with Australia led to coordinated action, with Australian officials seizing 60 million cigarettes and 60 kilograms of tobacco.