Heavy machinery used to make illegal cigarettes and more than 7 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco has been seized in north-west Sydney.

Authorities believe the find is linked to an organised crime-led operation, and no charges have been laid. An expert says the equipment is an unusual find and pointed to the illicit tobacco trade’s growing presence in Australia.

“The majority of these products are imported into Australia, they’re manufactured in our region and then imported into Australia and sold,” she said.