Ten retailers across Sydney’s west have been shut for 90 days during a targeted operation to disrupt the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes.
The retailers were closed by NSW Health inspectors, with the support of NSW Police, in Mount Druitt, Ropes Crossing, Rooty Hill, Shalvey and Bidwill.
More than 192,000 illicit cigarettes, approximately 40kg of loose-leaf tobacco and around 1,450 illicit vapes, with an estimated combined street value of over $256,000 were seized.
“Every closure we make should be a reality check for those who are doing the wrong thing; we are serious, we are watching, we will come knocking and you will face regulatory action,” said Minister for Health, Ryan Park.
“Our inspectors actively monitor retailers, and if we find that you are continuing to sell these illicit products after being served a closure order, we will shut you down again and you will face further enforcement action.
“It’s clear that the federal tobacco excise is at such a rate that people are turning to illegal tobacco with illegal tobacconists flourishing in our suburbs and communities.
“So long as the excise continues to remain high, the black market will continue, and we will have to keep playing whack-a-mole with bad actors.
“We continue to strengthen our efforts, including bolstering enforcement activity, to stop the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes.”
Closure orders may be issued to a retail premises for selling illicit tobacco or illicit vaping goods and/or the retail sale of tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a licence.
“The operation in Western Sydney is another great example of our enforcement efforts and ongoing collaboration with NSW Police to disrupt the supply of illicit tobacco and unlawful vaping products, and subsequent disruption of upper echelon crime groups,” said NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant.
“The three most recent geographically focussed operations have resulted in seizures worth an estimated street value of $1 million, further demonstrating our commitment to a zero-tolerance approach and commitment to helping protect the public health for communities across the state.
“Quitting smoking remains one of the most beneficial things an individual can do to improve their health. If you need support to quit smoking or vaping talk to your GP or Pharmacist or call the NSW Quitline on 13 78 48.”
NSW Health works in collaboration with NSW Police to enforce tobacco retailing laws, including sharing information and undertaking joint activities.
As of 23 October, NSW Health inspectors have issued 514 short-term closure orders since the new powers came into effect in November 2025, with 129 in force to that date.
“Joint operations targeting the illicit tobacco and vaping trade are delivering significant disruption to organised crime groups and helping make our communities safer,” said NSWP Superintendent Darrin Batchelor, Commander Mount Druitt Police Area Command.
“The illicit tobacco and vaping trade is a source of income for organised crime groups and criminal networks are profiting from the sale of illegal products while undermining legitimate businesses and putting community safety at risk.
“These operations are designed to disrupt the supply of illicit tobacco and vaping products, target those involved in their distribution, and reduce the influence of organised crime across our communities.
“We remain committed to working alongside NSW Health and our partner agencies to detect, investigate and disrupt this criminal activity across the state.”
On 1 July, a new offence was introduced under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 (the Act), for a commercial lessor that knowingly permits premises to be used for the sale of illicit tobacco or illicit vaping goods.
This new offence targets landlords who are aware of tenants selling illicit tobacco or vaping goods from their premises and who knowingly permit this illicit activity to continue.
The Act currently allows a lessor to terminate a retail shop lease if a premises is subject to a closure order by giving the tenant at least 28 days’ notice. Landlords are encouraged to obtain their own legal advice to ensure they are complying with the law.
A full list of current tobacco closures can be found on the NSW Health website.
Members of the public can lodge complaints about retailers they believe are doing the wrong thing via the reporting portal on the NSW Health website. Â
