First suspected illicit tobacco stores in regional Victoria closed by police

Key points

• Victoria Police and Tobacco Licensing Victoria have closed the first suspected illicit tobacco stores in regional Victoria. Four shops were shut in Gippsland, three in Moe and Newborough in the Latrobe Valley and one in Yarram.
• The stores were closed for 90 days under new powers that took effect on September 9. Tobacco Licensing Victoria says raids will continue across the state, and it will act if the premises reopen.
• The regulator chose the Latrobe Valley after tip-offs about illicit tobacco supply.