Ten retailers across NSW were closed during the latest round of enforcement against illicit tobacco and vaping products, including eight businesses targeted in south-west Sydney.
Stores in Tahmoor, The Oaks, Camden and Campbelltown were ordered to close for 90 days following joint operations involving NSW Health inspectors and NSW Police.
More Than $600,000 in Products Seized
During operations on 6 and 7 October, authorities seized more than 420,000 illicit cigarettes, about 60 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco and more than 4,000 illicit vapes.
NSW Health estimated the combined street value of the seized products at more than $600,000.
One Campbelltown premises was also found operating a drive-through style service window from a laneway. The matter has been referred to local council compliance officers to consider possible planning breaches.
Further investigations are continuing and may result in additional enforcement action or prosecution.
Closure Orders Approach 500
As of 8 October, NSW Health inspectors had issued 493 short-term closure orders since the new powers commenced in November 2025, with 137 still in force at that time.
Further orders were expected to push the total beyond 500.
Under the current laws, NSW Health can issue a short-term closure order of up to 90 days where it reasonably suspects a premises has sold illicit tobacco or vaping products, or traded tobacco products without a valid licence.
The Local Court can also impose longer closure orders of up to 12 months in certain circumstances.
Millions of Cigarettes Seized This Year
Since 1 January 2026, NSW Health says enforcement activity has resulted in the seizure of more than 15 million illicit cigarettes, about 2.4 tonnes of illicit tobacco and more than 154,000 vapes.
NSW Health and NSW Police continue to share information and conduct joint inspections targeting retailers suspected of breaching tobacco and vaping laws.
New Rules Also Apply to Landlords
Since 1 July 2026, commercial landlords can also face penalties if they knowingly allow premises to be used for the sale of illicit tobacco or vaping products.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a $165,000 fine, or both.
Landlords can also terminate a retail lease where a premises is subject to a closure order, subject to the relevant notice requirements.
Stronger Penalties Now in Force
Broader reforms introduced in late 2025 increased penalties for serious illicit tobacco offences.
Selling illicit tobacco or possessing a commercial quantity can now attract penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment or a $1.54 million fine.
NSW Health continues to publish current closure orders online and accepts public reports about suspected breaches of tobacco and vaping laws.
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