A LICENSED post office manager is one of three people charged by Multi Agency Strike Team (MAST) detectives following investigations into allegations of importing illicit tobacco and vapes into Australia.
The MAST is made up of 41 officers from Commonwealth and NSW agencies.
In June 2026, investigators established Strike Force Kerani to investigate the alleged importation of large quantities of illicit tobacco and vapes by a 62-year-old man, using his truster insider position in a senior role at a post office north of Sydney.
The investigation was supported by Australia Post.
About 2.30pm on Tuesday (13 October 2026), investigators raided premises at Berowra Heights, Zetland and Banksmeadow, along with a targeted vehicle stop at Banksmeadow.
Police seized $60,470 in cash, 3,365,800 sticks of illicit tobacco, 14,040 vapes, 9,049 tobacco tin pouches, 648 sachets of rolling tobacco and electronic devices.
The 62-year-old man was arrested in Berowra.
He appeared before Hornsby Local Court on Tuesday where he was granted conditional bail to appear at the same court on Wednesday 18 November.
A 36-year-old man was arrested in Banksmeadow.
He was denied bail to appear at Bail Division Court 7 yesterday (14 October).
Another 36-year-old man arrested in Banksmeadow was charged with commercial possession of vapes.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on 16 November 2026.
NSWPF State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad Commander, John Watson said organised crime networks rely heavily on trusted insiders to facilitate their offending.
"The illicit tobacco and vape market remain a lucrative revenue stream for organised crime syndicates operating across Australia,” Det Supt Watson said.
"Those profits often fund other serious criminal activities, which is why identifying and disrupting the people who help these networks operate is a key priority for police.”
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said illicit tobacco remained a lucrative trade for organised crime.
“The millions of dollars generated through the illicit tobacco trade fuels criminal networks which cause real harm in Australian communities,” he said.
“Let me be clear – we will continue to target trusted insiders, disrupt the networks they are servicing and ultimately protect the community.”
ABF Acting Superintendent, Nick Siomos said the outcome reflected the strength of intelligence-led targeting and collaboration between law enforcement agencies.
"The ABF works closely with its partners to identify, detect and disrupt criminal networks seeking to exploit legitimate supply chains and trusted positions to facilitate the importation of illicit goods,” a/Supt Siomos said.
"This result reinforces our ability to target organised crime at multiple points in the supply chain."