What new powers does NSW Health have against illicit tobacco sales?

NSW Health can now issue 90-day closure orders for stores suspected of selling illicit tobacco or vaping products.

How many stores were shut down in the NSW tobacco raids?

Fifty-two separate tobacco outlets have been issued 90-day closure orders across New South Wales.

What illegal items were seized in the NSW crackdown?

Authorities seized over 1.6 million illicit cigarettes, 10,500 vaping goods, and 175 kilograms of other illegal tobacco products.

Home / Crime and Justice / NSW Raids Shut Down 52 Illicit Tobacco Stores

NSW Raids Shut Down 52 Illicit Tobacco Stores

18 Jan

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Summary

Over 50 tobacco stores closed in NSW illicit product raids.
Millions of illicit cigarettes and vapes seized in eight weeks.
New laws allow 90-day closure orders for suspected illicit sales.

NSW Raids Shut Down 52 Illicit Tobacco Stores

In a significant operation, New South Wales has closed down more than 50 tobacco stores that were allegedly selling illicit products. This intensified enforcement action has resulted in the seizure of over 1.6 million illegal cigarettes and 10,500 vaping goods within an eight-week period since new laws were enacted.

The state government granted extraordinary powers to NSW Health, enabling the issuance of 90-day closure orders for businesses suspected of operating without proper licenses or selling contraband. These measures have been applied across the state, targeting outlets engaged in the illicit tobacco trade.

This recent surge in closures includes a shop located near Premier Chris Minns's electorate office in Kogarah, highlighting the broad reach of the enforcement. Local councils are also advocating for changes to planning laws to preemptively address the proliferation of such establishments.