Victoria closes 61 illicit tobacco stores: what it means for people who smoke
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Victoria’s crackdown on illicit tobacco has seen 61 stores closed in just four weeks. While the headlines focus on enforcement and organised crime, people who smoke may be thinking about what this means for them—and whether it is time to consider quitting.
At Quit Hero, we believe that starts with clear information, practical support and a conversation without judgement.
What happened?
According to a NewsWire report published by News.com.au on 7 October 2026, Victoria’s VIPER Taskforce and Tobacco Licensing Victoria closed 61 stores allegedly linked to organised crime following the introduction of new enforcement powers on 9 September.
During those four weeks, authorities seized:
- More than two million illicit cigarettes.
- More than 40,000 vapes.
- More than 120 kilograms of loose tobacco.
- Over $500,000 in cash.
The operation reached suburbs and regional communities including Footscray, Deer Park, Werribee, Geelong and Lalor, with further inspections planned across Victoria.
The new powers allow authorities to issue 90-day closure notices to stores found selling illicit tobacco. Businesses must remain closed while an order is in place.
Investigators are also targeting the financial operations behind the trade. The report states that the Criminal Proceeds Squad is involved, with authorities seeking to disrupt criminal profits and the banking access of offending businesses. Police warned that proceeds from illicit tobacco sales could fund further criminal activity.
Beyond the headlines: what matters for your health
This operation targets illegal tobacco sales. For anyone who smokes, there is also a broader health consideration: smoking carries serious risks regardless of where cigarettes are purchased.
Quitting smoking can improve your health and reduce your risk of smoking-related disease. Your body begins to repair itself after you stop.
If the news has prompted you to think about your own smoking, that can be a useful starting point. You do not need to have every answer before seeking support.
Turn that thought into a practical plan
Start by noticing when you reach for a cigarette. Is it with your morning coffee, during a work break or when you feel stressed? Understanding those patterns can help you prepare for the moments when cravings appear.
A personal quit plan can include:
- Your reasons for wanting to stop.
- A quit date to work towards.
- Strategies for managing cravings and changing familiar routines.
- People you can contact for encouragement.
A doctor or pharmacist can help you explore treatment options suited to your circumstances. Combining behavioural support with nicotine replacement therapy or a quit-smoking medicine offers the best chance of successfully quitting.
Support for your next step
If you have tried quitting before, you can use what you learned to shape your next attempt. Quitting often takes more than one try, and support can improve your chance of success.
Quit Hero offers an online pathway for a clinician to review your smoking history and medical information. If you are ready to explore support, find out how Quit Hero works.
For personalised support, call 1300 059 031 to speak with a pharmacist about your options for quitting.
If you’re already a Quit Hero patient, our pharmacy team is here to answer questions about your current treatment and offer extra support whenever you need it.
Your next step can be as simple as starting a conversation.
Reference List
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Hedgman, A., NewsWire / News.com.au. Victoria Closes 61 Illicit Tobacco Stores in Four Weeks Under New Enforcement Powers. Published 7 October 2026.
https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/crime/victoria-closes-61-illicit-tobacco-stores-in-four-weeks-under-new-enforcement-powers/news-story/2b3b1341765761ad76a0963ba5ebcf45 -
Victoria Police. Over Sixty Stores Closed, $3M Worth of Illicit Tobacco and Over $500K Cash Seized. Published 7 October 2026.
https://www.police.vic.gov.au/over-sixty-stores-closed-3m-worth-illicit-tobacco-and-over-500k-cash-seized -
Healthdirect Australia. Quitting Smoking and Vaping.
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/healthy-living/smoking-and-vaping/quit-smoking-vaping -
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Nicotine Pouches.
https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/nicotine-pouches -
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Quit.
https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/quit -
Quit Hero. How It Works.
https://www.quithero.com.au/pages/how-it-works -
Quit Hero. Quit Hero — Official Website.
https://www.quithero.com.au/ -
Quit Hero. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
https://www.quithero.com.au/pages/faqs