Victoria Police close illegal tobacco shops
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Victoria Police raided and closed at least four shops in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia, suspected of selling illegal tobacco.
The raids mark the first time authorities have used new powers to shut down illicit tobacco stores in rural parts of the state. These powers, which began on September 9, allow police and Tobacco Licensing Victoria to inspect shops and close them for up to 90 days.
The authority targeted the Latrobe Valley region due to intelligence suggesting a high concentration of illegal tobacco sales. So far, more than 60 stores across Victoria have been closed under the new regulations, with the recent closures extending beyond Melbourne and Geelong. Tobacco Licensing Victoria plans to continue raids throughout the state and will monitor the closed shops for any attempts to reopen.
Illicit cigarettes typically sell for around $20 a pack, significantly lower than the $50 price for legally taxed cigarettes, and these operations are often connected to organised crime groups.
