Ten Sydney Stores Shut in Illicit Vape Crackdown

Police and NSW Health recently conducted a series of raids across western Sydney, leading to the closure of ten businesses allegedly involved in selling illicit tobacco and vapes. This operation resulted in the seizure of over $256,000 worth of illegal products, including a significant quantity of cigarettes, loose-leaf tobacco, and vapes.

Each of the ten targeted retailers received 90-day closure orders. These actions are part of a broader crackdown by NSW Health, which has now issued 514 short-term closure orders since new powers were enacted last November. Health Minister Ryan Park likened the situation to a "whack-a-mole" game due to the persistence of illegal tobacconists.

Authorities emphasized that the illegal trade fuels organised crime and undermines legitimate businesses. Investigations into the ten western Sydney retailers are ongoing, with potential prosecutions and further enforcement actions anticipated. This operation is one of several geographically targeted efforts that have collectively led to approximately $1 million in illicit products being confiscated.