$236,700 tobacco haul intercepted near Finley: random breath test uncovers major contraband operation

A routine traffic stop on the Newell Highway has resulted in one of the region's largest tobacco seizures, with police discovering almost 90,000 cigarettes and 50 vapes allegedly being transported for illegal sale across regional NSW.

Murray River Police District officers were conducting mobile patrols near Finley at 11:30pm on Sunday, August 24, when they pulled over a vehicle for a random breath test approximately one kilometre north of the township.

The subsequent vehicle search revealed a substantial contraband operation.

The seized items included:

• 87,900 cigarettes packed in 15 boxes
• 50 vaping devices
• 10.5 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco
• Combined estimated street value: $236,700

The 41-year-old male driver was arrested at the scene and transported to Albury Police Station where he was formally charged with two serious offences; convey tobacco products with intent to defraud revenue (Customs Act 1901), and possess commercial quantity of vaping goods (Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act).

The man was granted conditional bail and will appear before Finley Local Court on Tuesday, September 23.

Police will allege the contraband was destined for distribution across multiple regional centres including Forbes, Leeton and Narrandera, suggesting an organised commercial operation spanning central and southern NSW.

The Newell Highway location places the interception on a major north-south freight route, indicating the alleged operation may have involved interstate transport of the illegal products.

The seizure highlights ongoing police efforts to combat the illegal tobacco trade, which costs government revenue and often involves products that don't meet Australian safety standards.

The case will proceed through the court system where the full circumstances of the alleged operation will be examined.