A significant quantity of illegal tobacco products has been seized during a joint operation in Dunedoo involving Warrumbungle Shire Council, the NSW Police Force, and NSW Health.
The coordinated enforcement action took place on Tuesday, 7 October, following a long-running investigation into reports of unlawful tobacco sales.
Officers conducted an inspection at a Bolaro Street business, where they found 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 discovered multiple cartons of cigarettes and bags of “chop chop” tobacco.
All seized items have been taken into custody for further investigation. An Emergency Cease Use Order was issued to the employee on site, halting all activity at the premises. Authorities said serious charges are expected to be laid against both the employee and the business owners.
Warrumbungle Shire Council said it remains committed to tackling the sale of illegal tobacco in partnership with NSW Police and NSW Health.
“The unlawful sale and distribution of prohibited tobacco pose significant risks to community health and undermine legitimate local businesses,” the Council said.
To stay up to date on the latest industry headlines, sign up to the C&I e-newsletter.