Five illegal tobacconists in the Hunter have been shut down and more than $260,000 worth of tobacco and vapes seized during a specialist joint operation.
NSW Police and NSW Health launched Operation Sloane in October last year under the NSW Illicit Tobacco Taskforce.
The specialist team targets illicit tobacco activity in the retail sector.
Inquiries led Hunter Valley police officers and NSW Health inspectors to inspect six businesses in the Cessnock CBD about 11am on Wednesday, June 3.
NSW Health issued closure orders for five of the businesses to shut up shop for 90 days.
Health inspectors, backed by NSW Police, found and seized 208,745 cigarettes, almost 40kg of loose tobacco leaf, 852 vapes and 35 nicotine pouches.
Police estimated the street value of the haul to be $260,500.
Crime scenes were declared during two of the business inspections and police seized $33,000 in cash.
Operation Sloane investigations continue and authorities have warned additional enforcement action, including prosecution, may take place.
A statement from NSW Police said NSW Health actively enforced tobacco retailing legislation using an information and intelligence-led risk-based approach.
By the end of May 2026, NSW Health had issued almost 280 short-term closure orders, and retailers found to be non-compliant may face further action.
Members of the public can lodge complaints about retailers they believe are doing the wrong thing via the reporting portal on the NSW Health website.
