A coordinated inspection of a business on Warren Road in Gilgandra has been linked to a broader state-wide enforcement campaign targeting the illegal tobacco and vaping trade across New South Wales.

Acting on intelligence relating to alleged high-volume sales of prohibited tobacco products, officers from Gilgandra Shire Council, with support from the NSW Police Force and NSW Health, conducted a coordinated inspection of the premises on Thursday 18 December.

During the operation, investigators discovered a quantity of prohibited tobacco, prohibited vape modules, packaged loose tobacco commonly known as ‘chop-chop’ and digital electronic scales.

It was also discovered that persons associated with the business were utilising the premises illegally as their principal place of residence, posing a serious threat to public health and public safety.

All seized items are now in the custody of authorities for further examination.

At the conclusion of the joint operation, an ‘Emergency Stop Use’ order was issued to the employees present on site, as well as the registered owners of the premises, barring any further use or occupation of the premises.

While NSW Health has not issued a site-specific public statement on the Gilgandra operation, the department has confirmed it is significantly ramping up enforcement activity under the Minns Government’s new tobacco and vaping laws.

Statewide crack down

In early November, ten illegal tobacco stores across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Riverina regions were shut down in a single week under the new powers.

Those closures brought the total number of premises ordered to close to 24 since the strengthened laws came into effect on 3 November.

NSW Health inspectors, supported by NSW Police, seized over 349,000 illicit cigarettes and close to 17 kilograms of other illegal tobacco during those operations.

All affected stores were ordered to close immediately for 90 days.

Between 1 January and 27 October 2025, NSW Health conducted more than 1,260 retailer inspections across the state, seizing more than 11.8 million cigarettes, over 2,000 kilograms of illicit tobacco products and around 170,000 illegal vaping goods.

The combined estimated street value of the seized products was approximately $18.9 million.

NSW Health now holds expanded powers to close premises selling illicit tobacco, illicit vaping goods or operating without a tobacco licence for up to 90 days.

In November, Chris Minns publicly warned illicit tobacco operators that enforcement activity would continue to escalate.

“If you're selling illegal tobacco on the black market, watch out,” Mr Minns said.

“Because we've begun raiding and temporarily shutting down shopfronts suspected of not complying with our tough new tobacco and vaping laws.

“We have also introduced legislation to make it an offence for commercial landlords knowingly permitting their premises to be used by illicit tobacconists.

Health Minister, Ryan Park said enforcement activity would continue to increase as authorities expand their compliance operations.

Raids on illegal tobacco and vaping businesses have ramped up since new powers were invested on police and other government agencies in November.

“This will take some time as we ramp up our closure activities, but this is just the beginning, and we want to reassure the community that we are targeting those retailers doing the wrong thing,” Mr Park said.

“My message to retailers selling illicit tobacco or vapes is stop it now.

"If you’re doing the wrong thing, sooner or later we will come for you.”

Investigations continue in Gilgandra

The Gilgandra inspection follows other high-profile enforcement action across NSW, including a major seizure in the state’s south on the same day.

Officers attached to Riverina Highway Patrol Command stopped a van on the Hume Highway near Gundagai, allegedly locating 400 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco and 235,000 illicit cigarettes with an estimated combined street value of $752,000.

Investigations in the Gilgandra raid are continuing.

Gilgandra Shire Council can confirm that evidence is being reviewed, with the laying of charges being considered against both the employees located on site, and the owners of the business in relation to identified alleged offences.

Gilgandra Shire Council reiterates its commitment to supporting NSW Police Force and NSW Health Department efforts to eradicate illegal tobacco retailing in the region.

The unlawful sale and distribution of prohibited tobacco impacts local amenity and poses significant risks to community health.

Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale of tobacco products is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Information provided will be treated confidentially.