Major police action in the Hunter has resulted in the closure of five illegal tobacconists and seizure of more than $260,000 worth of tobacco and vapes.
Following several inquiries, officers attached to Hunter Valley PD, as well as NSW Health inspectors, conducted inspections at six businesses in the Cessnock CBD about 11am on Wednesday 3 June.
As a result of Operation Sloane, which was established in October 2025 under the NSW Illicit Tobacco Taskforce, they issued short-term closure orders to five of them for 90 days.
In total, NSW Health inspectors – with the assistance of NSW Police – located and seized 208,745 cigarettes, more than 39kg of loose tobacco leaf, 852 vapes and 35 nicotine pouches, with an estimated street value of approximately $260,500.
During the raids, crime scenes were declared at two of the businesses.
On those occasions, police confiscated $33,000 in cash, too.
Investigations as part of Operation Sloane are continuing, and additional enforcement action, including prosecution, may take place.
“NSW Health actively enforces tobacco retailing legislation using an information and intelligence led risk-based approach,” a spokesperson said.
“A closure of premises is one regulatory tool available.
“NSW Health draws on multiple intelligence sources, including reports from the public, information from law enforcement partners, and its own compliance holdings, to inform both targeted and broad enforcement activities across the state.
“As of Friday 29 May, we’ve issued 279 short-term closure orders.
“A full list of current tobacco closures can be found on the NSW Health website.
“Retailers who are found to be non-compliant with closure orders may be subject to further enforcement action, including licence sanctions, long term closure orders, and prosecution.
“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.”
For more news stories:
- Hunter advocate welcomes medicinal cannabis driving reforms
- Wage rise adds pressure on Hunter businesses
- Duo charged following alleged assault at Newcastle Interchange
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
