Three Charged Following Joint Investigation into Illicit Tobacco and Vape Importation
Detectives from the Multi Agency Strike Team (MAST) have charged three men, including a licensed post office manager, following an investigation into the alleged importation of illicit tobacco and vapes in New South Wales on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
Strike Force Kerani was established in June 2026 to investigate claims that a 62-year-old man was utilizing his senior position at a post office north of Sydney to facilitate the importation of large volumes of illicit items. The operation was aided by information provided by Australia Post.
At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, investigators executed search warrants across properties in Berowra Heights, Zetland, and Banksmeadow, alongside a vehicle stop in Banksmeadow. During the operation, police seized 3,365,800 sticks of illicit tobacco, 14,040 vapes, 9,049 tobacco tin pouches, 648 sachets of rolling tobacco, $60,470 in cash, and various electronic devices.
The 62-year-old post office manager was arrested in Berowra Heights and charged with multiple counts of possessing commercial quantities of vaping goods and possessing a commercial quantity of tobacco. He was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to reappear at Hornsby Local Court on 18 November 2026.
A 36-year-old man arrested in Banksmeadow faced charges including commercial vape possession, possessing commercial quantities of tobacco, and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was refused bail. A second 36-year-old man arrested in Banksmeadow was charged with commercial possession of vapes and granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on 16 November 2026.
MAST brings together 41 personnel from the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, NSW Crime Commission, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, AUSTRAC, and the Australian Taxation Office to target trusted insiders aiding organized crime syndicates.
New South Wales Police
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