Ten businesses allegedly selling illicit tobacco and vapes have been forced to shut after being raided by police and NSW Health across Sydney’s west.
More than $256,000 worth of illicit stock was seized during the raids in Mt Druitt, Ropes Crossing, Rooty Hill, Shalvey and Bidwill.
Authorities allegedly uncovered about 192,000 illicit cigarettes, 40kg of loose-leaf tobacco and 1450 vapes inside the stores.
All 10 retailers were slapped with 90-day closure orders following Wednesday’s operation as authorities continue their crackdown on Sydney’s booming illicit tobacco trade.
NSW Health has now issued 514 short-term closure orders since tough new powers came into effect in November last year.
The powers allow authorities to temporarily shutter stores caught selling illicit tobacco or vapes, or retailers selling tobacco products without a licence.
Health Minister Ryan Park said authorities were locked in a game of “whack-a-mole” with illegal tobacconists flourishing across the state.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
“Criminal networks are profiting from the sale of illegal products while undermining legitimate businesses and putting community safety at risk,” he said.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the latest raids followed two other geographically targeted operations, with the three resulting in about $1 million worth of illicit products being seized.
Further investigations into the 10 Western Sydney retailers are underway, with authorities warning prosecutions and enforcement action could follow.
Extracted in full from: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-nsw/ten-western-sydney-smoke-shops-shut-as-authorities-seize-256k-illicit-tobacco-and-vape-haul/news-story/3efc5e945ead64fe3f92ee90d9910512
