A newly opened tobacco outlet in Binnaway has been shut down following a joint enforcement operation between Warrumbungle Shire Council and NSW Police.

Council confirmed a significant enforcement action was carried out on Monday 9 February 2026, after local residents raised concerns about the alleged unlawful sale of tobacco products from premises on Renshaw Street.

An investigation commenced after community reports were received on 5 February.

Based on evidence gathered, authorised officers from Warrumbungle Shire Council, assisted by NSW Police, conducted an inspection and search of the business.

During the operation, officers located and seized prohibited tobacco products, including loose and packaged tobacco commonly referred to as “chop-chop”.

The inspection also identified serious fire safety concerns within the premises.

Further inquiries indicated individuals associated with the business, based in Sydney, had been using, or intended to use, the building for intermittent accommodation.

Given the dilapidated condition of the property, council said this raised significant concerns for public health and safety.

All seized items are now in the possession of relevant authorities and form part of ongoing investigations.

At the conclusion of the joint operation, an “Emergency Stop Use” order was served on both the employee present and the registered owners of the premises.

Seized tobacco products in Binnaway have been confiscated.

The order prohibits any further use or occupation of the building.

Warrumbungle Shire Council is now reviewing the evidence obtained and is considering filing charges against the operators in relation to alleged offences identified during the investigation.

Additional development control orders may also be issued in response to the fire safety risks identified within the premises.

Council reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with NSW Police and NSW Health to eliminate illegal tobacco sales within the region, noting the unlawful distribution of tobacco products

poses risks to community health and safety and is often linked to broader criminal activity.

Anyone with information relating to the illegal sale of tobacco products is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Further enforcement across the region

The Binnaway closure comes amid continued enforcement activity across the wider district.

On the same day, officers working on behalf of Gilgandra Shire Council, with support from NSW Police, conducted a coordinated inspection of a business on Miller Street in Gilgandra following intelligence about high-volume sales of prohibited tobacco products.

During that operation, investigators seized prohibited tobacco, vape modules and packaged loose tobacco, and issued an Emergency Stop Use order barring further occupation of the premises.

Evidence from that matter is also being reviewed, with charges under consideration.

Both councils have reiterated their commitment to supporting NSW Police and NSW Health efforts to eradicate illegal tobacco retailing, warning the unlawful sale and distribution of prohibited tobacco products impacts local amenity and poses risks to community

This comes as the government has recruited 30 additional full-time tobacco inspectors to boost the state-wide enforcement team bringing it to 78 inspectors.

These officers work with NSW Police under the state’s tough new laws that came into effect in late 2025.