NSW Shuts 10 More Retailers in Tobacco, Vape Crackdown
NSW Health closed 10 more retailers selling illicit tobacco and vapes, with total closures expected to surpass 500 this week.Summary
Ten retailers across New South Wales were closed last week, including eight in south western Sydney towns such as Tahmoor, the Oaks, Camden and Campbelltown, as part of targeted enforcement operations by NSW Health with support from NSW Police. During the operations on 6-7 October, inspectors seized over 420,000 illicit cigarettes, approximately 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 tobacconist via a laneway service window, which has been referred to local council compliance officers. Since new powers took effect in November 2025, NSW Health has issued 493 short-term closure orders, with further orders expected to push the total past 500 this week. Since 1 January 2026, authorities have seized over 15 million illicit cigarettes, about 2.4 tonnes of illicit tobacco and more than 154,000 vapes. The Minns Labor Government has introduced some of the toughest penalties in the country, including prison sentences of up to 7 years and fines over $1.5 million, and a new offence from 1 July 2026 targets landlords who knowingly permit illicit tobacco or vaping sales on their premises. Health Minister Ryan Park and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant emphasised that enforcement will continue, and Detective Chief Inspector Paul Albury of Camden Police noted that joint operations help disrupt organised crime networks.
(Source：Mirage News)
