Police Crack down on Illegal Tobacco Shops on the Central Coast

Why cheap illegal tobacco is putting locals at risk — and why now is the time to quit for good.

Over the past year, NSW Police and NSW Health have intensified their raids on illegal tobacco shops — including right here on the Central Coast. Large quantities of unregulated cigarettes, vapes and even bags of cash have been seized, and several operators have been charged.

These raids are happening for a reason:Illegal tobacco isn’t just “cheap smokes.” It’s unregulated, potentially harmful, and often tied to organised criminal networks. On the Coast, one operation uncovered more than $833,000 in cash linked to the illegal sale of tobacco products. Another local shop was fined $144,000 for stocking illegal vapes and nicotine products.

Why this matters if you smoke

When legal cigarettes get expensive and illegal options seem “cheaper,” it can feel tempting — especially during stressful times. But here’s the truth:

Illicit tobacco is risky, unpredictable, and full of unknown additives.There’s no quality control, no safety standards, and no way to know what you’re inhaling. Many are counterfeit copies of major brands, and some contain higher levels of tar, carbon monoxide, and contaminants.

Add to that the criminal links behind many of these operations, and it becomes clear:Every dollar spent on illegal tobacco supports a system that harms communities.

A safer, healthier path forward

With enforcement increasing and illegal shops being shut down across NSW, now is the ideal time to quit smoking altogether — not switch to cheaper, riskier options.

At Stop Smoking Central Coast, I specialise in helping people quit without the stress, cravings, or long struggle. For many locals, one session is enough to break the habit for good.

If you’re ready for a clean start — without relying on unsafe black-market products — I’m here to help.

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