NSW expands tobacco enforcement team as illegal trade crackdown intensifies
NSW is increasing its tobacco enforcement team with 30 new inspectors to combat the rising illegal tobacco and vaping trade.Summary
New South Wales (NSW) is bolstering its efforts to combat illegal tobacco and vaping with the expansion of its enforcement team by 30 full-time equivalent inspectors. This follows additional funding from the Commonwealth Government and aims to strengthen the newly established Centre for Regulation & Enforcement. The expansion comes as authorities observe a shift towards cheaper, illicit tobacco products due to high federal tobacco excise. Since November 2025, 66 stores have been closed for selling illegal products, and in January 2026 alone, inspectors seized approximately $830,000 worth of illegal goods. The NSW government is also pursuing legislative changes, including stricter penalties and landlord accountability, to further disrupt the illegal market. Health Minister Ryan Park emphasizes the need for continued collaboration with the Commonwealth to address the root cause of the problem – the high federal excise – and ensure long-term funding for enforcement personnel.
(Source：The Indian Sun)
