Significant rise in tobacco smuggled into Australia

Up to 95 million cigarettes and more than 230 tonnes of tobacco have been seized, and will be used in evidence or destroyed.

Customs' chief executive officer, Michael Carmody, says growing vigilance by authorities has led to the increase in seizures.

"We also believe that with the closure of the tobacco growing industry in Australia last year, that there is a substitution going on through the black market through attempted smuggling into the country," he said.