Politics · Australia · 1 hr ago
Victoria closes first suspected illicit tobacco shops outside major cities
Victoria Police and Tobacco Licensing Victoria raided at least four suspected illicit tobacco shops in Gippsland.
The closures were the first under the new powers outside Melbourne and Geelong.
The powers, which began on September 9, let authorities inspect suspected sellers and close their premises for up to 90 days.
Three shops were closed in Moe and Newborough, and one in Yarram.
Officials said tip-offs about a high concentration of illicit tobacco led them to target the Latrobe Valley.
Illegally sold cigarettes often cost about $20 a pack, compared with about $50 for legal cigarettes, and are not taxed.
Authorities said they will monitor the closed premises and may extend a closure or seek a longer-term court order.
Tobacco Licensing Victoria says raids will continue across the state.
Victoria authorities have closed the first suspected illicit tobacco stores outside Melbourne and Geelong under new powers.
Police and Tobacco Licensing Victoria raided at least four shops in Gippsland.
Three shops were closed in Moe and Newborough, and one in Yarram.
The powers allow authorities to close suspected illicit tobacco stores for 90 days.
Tobacco Licensing Victoria says raids will continue across the state.
- Who
- Victoria Police's Viper Taskforce and Tobacco Licensing Victoria.
- What
- They raided and closed at least four shops suspected of selling illicit tobacco.
- When
- Yesterday, according to the article published on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Moe and Newborough in the Latrobe Valley, and Yarram, in Gippsland, Victoria.
- Why
- Tip-offs suggested the Latrobe Valley had a high concentration of illicit tobacco.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
New powers took effect, allowing authorities to inspect suspected illicit tobacco stores and close them for 90 days.
Victoria Police and Tobacco Licensing Victoria raided and closed at least four shops in Gippsland.
- Closures
- At least four stores in Gippsland
- Latrobe Valley
- Three stores closed across Moe and Newborough
- Yarram
- One store closed
- Closure period
- Up to 90 days under the new powers
- Total closures
- More than 60 stores across Victoria have now been closed
What people are saying
We verify that intelligence and obviously use that intelligence to identify where are our priorities, where are the targets, where does it make the most sense
Where will we have the biggest impact and clearly the Latrobe Valley is a site where the supply of illicit tobacco is considerable
We will be monitoring those premises should they open up again and we'll take action
Sources
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