Warrumbungle Shire Council continue to walk the talk when it comes to tackling the illicit tobacco trade within their boundaries.

On Tuesday 7 October council officers took part in a major enforcement operation in Dunedoo, following a long-running investigation into reports of unlawful tobacco sales. 

It’s the third time the Council has worked alongside NSW Health and Police to act against illegal tobacco with two raids in Coonabarabran in recent months.

A spokesperson for Warrumbungle Council said ‘’Acting on intelligence of large-scale prohibited tobacco sales, officers from Warrumbungle Shire Council, with support from the NSW Police Force and NSW Health, carried out a coordinated inspection at a business in Bolaro Street.

"During the operation, investigators located a large locked cabinet hidden at the rear of an adjoining property.

"When the individual on site refused to open it, investigators forced entry and uncovered a significant quantity of illegal tobacco products, including multiple cartons of cigarettes and bags of “chop chop” tobacco.

"All seized items are now in the custody of authorities for further investigation. ‘’

An Emergency Cease Use Order was issued to the employee on site, preventing any further activity at the premises.

Serious charges are expected to be laid against both the employee and the business owners in relation to the alleged offences.

No date has been set for court at this stage.

Warrumbungle Shire Council says it remains committed to working with the NSW Police Force and NSW Health to stamp out the sale of illegal tobacco in the region.

"The unlawful sale and distribution of prohibited tobacco pose significant risks to community health and undermine legitimate local businesses," a council spokesperson said.

New laws were passed in the NSW Parliament on 11 September and newly appointed Police Commission for NSW, Mal Lanyon, says his force will back NSW Health in their enforcement.

All retailers must now hold a valid tobacco licence and display it at the point of sale.

Those who continue selling products without a licence will face penalties.

It is hoped the tough new laws and higher penalties will finally begin to slow the rapid expansion of illicit tobacco outlets across the country.

The new laws include:

• A new offence for the commercial possession of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and 7 years’ imprisonment. 

• New penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and 7 years’ imprisonment.

• The introduction of short-term (up to 90 days) and long-term (up to 12 months) closure orders for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or selling tobacco without a licence.

• New offences and penalties for anyone who breaches these closure orders, including for entering closed premises or selling products from closed premises.

• Lease termination powers for landlords where a closure order is in place.

• New offences for falsely claiming to be licensed; resisting seizure; and attempting to retake seized products.

Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Chief Health Officer, said the Tobacco Licensing Scheme gives a better oversight of retailers and wholesalers selling tobacco to ensure they are doing the right thing and to take appropriate action if they are not.

“Tobacco use remains one of the biggest factors in premature death," she said.

"I acknowledge it’s not easy, but I encourage anyone who smokes to think about quitting for themselves and for their loved ones.”

Ryan Park, Minister for Health said his government is determined to protect the community from the impacts of tobacco and vapes.

“My message to those doing the wrong thing is that sooner or later, we will come for you.”

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

All information is treated confidentially.