Victoria’s Tobacco Crackdown Highlights the Role of Pharmacy Support in Quitting Smoking

Victoria’s Tobacco Crackdown Highlights the Role of Pharmacy Support in Quitting Smoking

Victoria’s latest crackdown on illicit tobacco has resulted in 61 stores being closed in just four weeks, with authorities seizing millions of illegal cigarettes alongside vapes, loose tobacco and cash.

According to a report published by News.com.au on 7 October 2026, the operation involved Victoria Police’s VIPER Taskforce and Tobacco Licensing Victoria, targeting stores allegedly connected to organised crime.

For Australians considering quitting smoking, the news highlights the value of professional guidance and appropriate treatment through lawful healthcare channels.

 

What Authorities Confiscated

During the four-week operation, authorities seized:

  • More than two million illicit cigarettes
  • Over 40,000 vapes
  • More than 120 kilograms of loose tobacco
  • Over $500,000 in cash

Enforcement activity reached Melbourne suburbs and regional communities, including Footscray, Deer Park, Werribee, Geelong and Lalor.

The closures followed new enforcement powers introduced on 9 September 2026 under Victoria’s Tobacco Act 1987.

 

Why These Closures Matter

Authorities are targeting the businesses and financial networks behind illicit tobacco sales.

Investigators are examining alleged organised crime connections, including syndicates with leaders based overseas. The Criminal Proceeds Squad is also involved, targeting financial operations and working to restrict offending businesses’ access to the banking system.

Detective Inspector Anthony Gasparini warned that profits from illicit tobacco could fund further criminal activity. Tobacco Licensing Victoria chief operating officer Bree Oliver said coordinated inspections and intelligence-sharing would continue to target illegal operators.

Source: News.com.au / NewsWire


Understanding the Rules Around Tobacco and Therapeutic Vapes

Victoria’s 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.

Separate national rules govern therapeutic vaping products supplied through pharmacies:

  • Pharmacy-only retail supply: Vaping products cannot legally be sold by tobacconists, vape shops or convenience stores.
  • Therapeutic purpose: Pharmacy supply is for smoking cessation or managing nicotine dependence.
  • Conditions apply: Access depends on the applicable clinical and regulatory requirements, including any prescription requirements and state or territory restrictions.
  • Regulatory status matters: Therapeutic vapes on the TGA’s notified list are unapproved therapeutic goods. Inclusion on the list does not mean the TGA has assessed them for safety, quality, efficacy or performance.

A pharmacist can explain the available pathways and help you understand which options may be appropriate for your circumstances.

Source: Therapeutic Goods Administration


Further Enforcement Across Victoria

Victoria Police indicated that inspections would continue across the state, including outside normal business hours and on weekends.

The reported 61 closures represent the first four weeks of action under the new powers, rather than the final outcome of the campaign. Authorities said they would continue targeting illicit sales and the criminal networks behind them.

Source: Victoria Police


What This Means for People Trying to Quit Smoking

If the news has prompted you to think about your smoking, a conversation with a healthcare professional can be a useful first step.

Smoking carries health risks regardless of where cigarettes are purchased. Quitting can improve your health, and support can improve your chances of success.

To get started:

  • Speak with a pharmacist or doctor about your smoking history, previous quit attempts and available treatment options.
  • Prepare for cravings by identifying the routines and situations that make you want to smoke.
  • Build a personal quit plan with practical strategies and people you can turn to for support.
  • Ask for follow-up advice if you have questions about your treatment or are finding it difficult to stay on track.

You do not need to have every part of your plan decided before asking for help. Source: Healthdirect Australia


QuitMed’s Commitment

At QuitMed, we support Australians with pharmacist guidance and access to treatment through appropriate healthcare pathways.

Our team is here to help you understand your options and answer questions about your treatment. If you are already a QuitMed patient, you can also reach out for additional guidance as your needs change.

Contact the QuitMed team to start a conversation about your next step.



Reference List

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Vapes: Information for Pharmacists.
    https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/therapeutic-vaping-goods/vaping-hub/vapes-information-pharmacists

  4. Healthdirect Australia. Quitting Smoking and Vaping.
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/healthy-living/smoking-and-vaping/quit-smoking-vaping

  5. QuitMed. QuitMed Pharmacy.
    https://quitmed.com.au/

  6. QuitMed. Contact.
    https://quitmed.com.au/pages/contact

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