Don't Wait till Your Dealer Quits
- Liz Macnamara
- Nov 26
- 3 min read
The end of cheap cigarettes
Something big just happened, and if you or someone you care about smokes or vapes, you’re going to want to pay attention.
What’s gone down
A joint operation by the NSW Police Force, NSW Health and the Australian Border Force, operating under what they call Strike Force Franklin — has charged four people in connection with what’s believed to be a large-scale illegal tobacco and vape network.
The haul? Over 1.9 million illicit cigarettes, more than 18,000 vaping devices, around 74kg of loose-leaf tobacco and even unregistered firearms.
New laws give health authorities sweeping powers to shut down premises suspected of selling illicit tobacco or vapes — immediately, for 90 days, with possible longer closures and heavy fines for landlords.
Why this matters to YOU on the Central Coast
If you’re smoking or vaping, you might be buying products from a supply chain that’s collapsing under enforcement. That means risk of sudden price hikes, scarcity, or finding yourself unintentionally involved in illegal supply.
If you’re quitting or thinking about quitting, this is a moment of opportunity. When the market gets shaken, it can be a catalyst for change.
If you know someone who smokes/vapes, this story is relevant — the ripple effects will be felt in local communities, including on the Central Coast.
What this crackdown reveals
The illegal tobacco/vape market isn't small or marginal — it’s sizeable, organised and crossing state lines.
Enforcement is ramping up. Authorities are not just monitoring—they’re seizing, charging and shutting down.
Legal risks are increasing: buying from illicit sources could expose you (or people you know) to unintended consequences (legal, health-wise, financial).
The broader smoke & vaping market is under pressure — that creates both threat and opportunity for smokers evaluating their next move.
How this creates urgency around quitting
Limiting supply = more volatility. If you’re smoking out of habit or dependency, the environment may shift quickly. Better to act from position of control rather than being forced by scarcity.
Increasing risk. Illicit supply chain disruptions often push up prices or drive people into riskier behaviour. Quitting saves money AND removes that vulnerability.
Health risk. Illicit products may differ in quality, regulation or safety. The risk of compromised product is real.
Psychological momentum. Crises awaken change. When the market shakes, people reassess habits. Use this moment to reassess your smoking/vaping habit: has it become too risky, too costly, too entrenched?
What you can do right now
Take inventory: How much are you spending monthly on tobacco/vapes? What’s your dependency like? How much will they cost from a legal supplier (hint a carton of cigarettes typically costs between $379- 599).
Set a clear quit date: With disruption ahead, commit to quitting (or significantly reducing) by a concrete date—don’t wait for external forces to force your hand.
Seek support: That’s where Stop Smoking Central Coast comes in. I can help you build a quit plan, replace routines, manage withdrawal and reset your identity away from smoking.
Stay informed: Keep an eye on local enforcement and regulatory changes. If the illicit market is under pressure, the legal market is evolving too. Use that to your advantage.
Make it about more than smoking: Think about your health, your finances, your freedom from dependence. This crackdown reminds us that smoking/vaping isn’t just a personal habit — it sits in a larger system.
Why now is the time
The message is clear: supply lines, legal tolerance and market stability for tobacco/vapes are all under serious threat. That means smoking has become riskier in more ways than one. You're not just burning money — you’re navigating an unstable market, leaning on habit that could become more costly (in finance, health, stress) any day.
Use this moment of disruption as your moment of decision. Whether you’ve been thinking “maybe one day I’ll quit” — today is that day. Let the shake-up prompt the shift.
Want help making a plan? At Stop Smoking Central Coast, we’ve helped dozens of local people lock in a quit date, restructure their lifestyle and keep tobacco/vape free for good. Reach out, let’s talk about your route to freedom.
Sources: ABC News 31 October 2025, Australian Border Force Website
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