Authorities have shut 100 shops under newly granted powers aimed at stamping out the trade in illegal tobacco. Since those powers took effect on 9 September, the VIPER Taskforce and Tobacco Licensing Victoria officers have confiscated over four million unlawful cigarettes, roughly 70,000 vaping devices, three tonnes of leaf tobacco and close to $1 million in cash. The drive is directed at criminal networks that profit from the illicit product, including groups run from overseas. Retailers across a string of Melbourne suburbs have been inspected, and the operation is still underway.
The City of Stirling has unanimously supported a motion calling for a national vape disposal scheme. Councillor Daniela Ion says discarded e-cigarettes are often littered or placed in ordinary bins. Lithium-ion batteries in vapes can ignite when crushed during waste collection, causing fires in bins and collection vehicles. A study funded by the Waste Authority found more than 65 per cent of vape materials are recyclable. Letters seeking an interim State-funded amnesty collection program will be sent to State and Federal health authorities.
A 62-year-old man running a Berowra Heights post office has been charged with possessing commercial quantities of vaping and tobacco goods. Police allege he used his senior post office role to import large quantities of illicit tobacco and vapes. Investigators executed a search warrant on Tuesday, October 13. Search warrants in Zetland and Banksmeadow led to two further arrests. Police seized more than 3 million cigarettes, 15,000 vapes and $60,000 in cash. The man was granted conditional bail and will appear before Hornsby Court on November 18.
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Shops across Brisbane and Logan have been ordered shut after police seized almost $600,000 in illicit tobacco and vapes. Police say Operation Yankee Ashen targeted crime syndicates suspected of arson, extortion and gunfire, including the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang. Five people have been charged after searches across Logan and Brisbane. North Road Tobacconist at Woodridge is believed to be among the shops issued with a 90-day closure order. Police also seized about $120,000 in cash suspected of being proceeds from vape sales.
A 62-year-old Berowra Heights man, who works as a licensed post office manager, has been charged over the alleged importation of illicit tobacco and vapes. Police from a joint-agency task force executed search warrants in Berowra Heights, Zetland and Banksmeadow, seizing more than 3.3 million sticks of illicit tobacco, 14,040 vapes and $60,470 in cash. The man was granted conditional bail and is due back at Hornsby Local Court on 18 November 2026. Two 36-year-old men arrested in Banksmeadow face similar charges. Detective Superintendent John Watson said organised crime networks rely heavily on trusted insiders to bypass border security.
NSW Health has shut down Joey's Mini Mart & Drive Thru in Campbelltown, which authorities say was selling illicit tobacco and vapes through a laneway service window. The business had been promoted as an international grocer. Over two days last week, inspectors closed 10 retailers and seized 420,000 illicit cigarettes, 60kg of loose-leaf tobacco and more than 4,000 illicit vapes, worth around $600,000. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said illegal businesses keep reopening under new names while the federal tobacco excise stays high. Health experts have opposed cutting the excise, which has raised legal cigarette prices.
