Victoria shuts 61 stores in illicit tobacco crackdown

Victorian authorities have closed 61 stores in a four-week crackdown on the illicit tobacco trade. The operation, targeting businesses linked to organised crime, utilized new enforcement powers introduced on September 9 under the Tobacco Act 1987.

These powers allow authorities to issue closure notices of up to 90 days to businesses caught selling illegal products. During the operation, the VIPER Taskforce and Tobacco Licensing Victoria seized more than two million illicit cigarettes, 40,000 vapes, and 120kg of loose tobacco. Additionally, over $500,000 in cash was confiscated.

The statewide enforcement has targeted multiple locations, including Geelong, Deer Park, Werribee, and Footscray. Detective Inspector Anthony Gasparini stated that the illegal market helps finance broader criminal activities and that the operation aims to dismantle the ability of criminal syndicates to profit from these sales.