Illicit Tobacco and Vape Crackdown Closes 10 More Retailers
Ten more NSW retailers were shut down in a crackdown on illicit tobacco and vapes, with total closures set to pass 500.Summary
Ten retailers across New South Wales were closed last week, including eight targeted in south western Sydney, under enforcement action led by NSW Health with support from NSW Police. Premises in Tahmoor, the Oaks, Camden and Campbelltown were shut for 90 days. During the operations on 6 and 7 October, inspectors seized over 420,000 illicit cigarettes, about 60kg of loose-leaf tobacco and more than 4,000 illicit vapes, with an estimated street value exceeding $600,000. A Campbelltown premises was found operating a "drive-through" style tobacconist selling illicit products through a laneway service window, which NSW Health referred to local council compliance officers. Total short-term closure orders issued since new powers took effect are expected to surpass 500 this week. The government has introduced tough penalties, including up to 7 years' imprisonment and fines over $1.5 million, and from 1 July 2026 landlords who knowingly permit illicit sales face a new offence. Minister for Health Ryan Park and NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant praised the enforcement efforts, while police emphasised disrupting organised crime networks.
(Source：Mirage News)
