NEW England Police and NSW Health have seized $84,000 of illicit tobacco and vaping products from premises in Glen Innes and Armidale.

Police also issued three short-term closure notices to tobacconists following the combined agency operation.

A targeted operation was conducted this week by officers attached to the New England Police District and NSW Health Tobacco Regulation and Enforcement.

The operation focused on the compliance of non-licensed retail tobacconists, addressing reported complaints to both Government agencies relating to the growing concern and prevalence of illicit tobacco and vaping products being readily available to the community.

As a result, three tobacco retail premises were inspected in Armidale and Glen Innes, with all being issued closure notices under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 for a three-month period.

New England Police and NSW Health have seized $84,000 of illicit tobacco and vaping products from premises in Glen Innes and Armidale.

During an inspection, NSW Health Inspectors and police located and seized a total of tobacco and vaping products with an estimated value of $84,000 as well as sums of money suspected of being the proceeds of crime.

Mayor of Glen Innes Severn Council, Margot Davis, has welcomed the police operation.

She said the outcome of the operation reinforced the importance of co-ordinated enforcement and highlighted issues Council has been raising for some time.

“This result sends a clear message that illegal tobacco and vaping will not be tolerated in our communities,” Cr Davis said.

“Glen Innes Severn Council has consistently raised concerns about the growth of illicit tobacco, the ease of access to unregulated vaping products, and the broader impacts these activities have on community health, public safety and legitimate local businesses.”

One of three tobacco retail premises inspected in Armidale and Glen Innes, with all being issued closure notices under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 for a three-month period.

Cr Davis noted Council has made a number of formal representations on the issue, including council reports, advocacy correspondence and submissions to government, calling for stronger regulation, enforcement capacity and interagency coordination to address the illegal trade.

“Council has been clear in its advocacy that illicit tobacco and vaping are not just health issues – they are also linked to organised crime, lost revenue, and increased pressure on local services,” she said.

“We have consistently supported tougher compliance measures and better resourcing for enforcement agencies.”

Cr Davis also acknowledged the recent appearance of Council’s general manager at a parliamentary inquiry examining illegal tobacco and related matters.

“The general manager’s evidence at the parliamentary inquiry reflects Council’s strong position on this issue and our willingness to contribute constructively to policy reform,” she said.

“Local government has an important role to play in highlighting what is happening on the ground and ensuring regional communities like Glen Innes are not overlooked.”

Cr Davis  thanked New England Police and NSW Health for their work and encouraged continued community reporting.

“I commend the agencies involved for taking decisive action and for listening to concerns raised by the community,” she said.

“Council will continue to advocate for stronger protections for our community and to work with state agencies to address illegal activity wherever it occurs.”