Three people have been charged after a multi agency strike team uncovered an alleged scheme to import large quantities of illicit tobacco and vapes through a trusted insider working inside the postal system. The accused include a 62-year-old licensed post office manager from Berowra Heights, north of Sydney, who investigators allege used his senior position to move the illicit goods.
The charges were laid by the Multi Agency Strike Team (MAST), a 41-officer task force drawing personnel from the NSW Police Force, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Border Force, the NSW Crime Commission, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, AUSTRAC, and the Australian Taxation Office. Australia Post supported the investigation, which was established as Strike Force Kerani in June 2026.
The raids
About 2:30pm on Tuesday October 13, 2026, investigators executed three search warrants at Berowra Heights, Zetland, and Banksmeadow, alongside a targeted vehicle stop at Banksmeadow. This is what they seized.
| Item seized | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cash | $60,470 |
| Illicit tobacco sticks | 3,365,800 |
| Vapes | 14,040 |
| Tobacco tin pouches | 9,049 |
| Sachets of rolling tobacco | 648 |
| Electronic devices | Various |
Who was charged
The 62-year-old man was arrested in Berowra and charged with multiple counts of possessing more than 100 commercial quantity vaping goods, plus commercial-quantity tobacco possession. He appeared before Hornsby Local Court on October 13, was granted conditional bail, and is due to reappear on November 18, 2026.
A 36-year-old man arrested in Banksmeadow faces charges of commercial-quantity vaping goods, commercial-quantity tobacco, and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime. His bail was refused, and he appeared in Bail Division Court 7 on October 14.
A second 36-year-old man, also arrested in Banksmeadow, was charged with commercial possession of vapes. He was granted conditional bail and is set to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on November 16.
Why trusted insiders matter
Detective Superintendent John Watson of the NSW Police Force said the illicit tobacco and vape market “remains a lucrative revenue stream for organised crime syndicates operating across Australia,” and that identifying and disrupting trusted insiders is a key priority.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said trusted insiders “can be a key part of the illicit trade,” and that disrupting them can inflict real damage on criminal networks.
The case is the latest large-scale Australian vape crackdown, following the Victoria VIPER operation that shut 61 stores. The United States has seen its own enforcement waves, including the North Carolina store raids earlier this month.
Source: Australian Federal Police media release, Oct 15, 2026.