Australia Maintains Top Logistics Licence Cancellations
The Australian Border Force confirms it is upholding depot licence cancellations linked to an illicit tobacco investigation.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Drug Crime
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The Australian Border Force confirmed on 27 October 2026 that it is maintaining the cancellation of depot licences held by Top Logistics Australia Pty Ltd. The company, which operated sites in Bankstown and Cooper's Plains, had its permits revoked on 3 September 2026.
Why it matters
The cancellations follow an investigation into the illicit tobacco trade that led to seven people being charged in August 2026. This multi-agency enforcement action was part of a larger operation to dismantle two criminal networks.
Seven individuals were charged in August 2026 regarding illicit tobacco trade. The Australian Border Force is currently working with affected parties to manage supply chain disruptions.
The players
Australian Border Force
This federal law enforcement agency is responsible for managing the security and integrity of Australia's borders and international trade.
Top Logistics Australia Pty Ltd
This company is a logistics firm that operated depots in Bankstown and Cooper's Plains before its licences were revoked.
Peter Ping Xie
He is the 53-year-old director of Top Logistics Australia Pty Ltd.
The details
The Australian Border Force is collaborating with state and federal agencies to address the fallout from the shutdown of the company's depots. Importers who utilised these facilities now face potential detention and demurrage charges as a result of the ongoing supply chain issues.
Timeline
Seven people were charged for illicit tobacco trade in August 2026.
The Australian Border Force cancelled Top Logistics Australia depot licences on 3 September 2026.
The Australian Border Force confirmed licence cancellations remained in effect on 27 October 2026.
Legal Context
The cancellation of these depot licences reflects a broader federal strategy to dismantle criminal networks by targeting the infrastructure used for illegal trade. This approach mirrors recent efforts to increase regulatory oversight across the Australian logistics and customs sector.
Businesses currently using the Bankstown or Cooper's Plains facilities may face significant logistical delays and additional storage costs. Importers are advised to contact the Australian Border Force to coordinate the movement of goods from the shuttered depots.
The takeaway
Importers impacted by this situation should verify the status of their cargo to mitigate the accumulation of detention fees. Businesses should maintain awareness of their supply chain partners to avoid involvement in regulatory investigations.
Further reading
For more information on enforcement actions, visit the Drug Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The DCN.
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