Mayor of Glen Innes Severn Council, Cr Margot Davis, has welcomed the recent Combined Agency Operation by New England Police and NSW Health, which resulted in the seizure of an estimated $84,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vaping products and the temporary closure of retail premises in Glen Innes.
Between Wednesday 15 April and Thursday 16 April 2026, officers from New England Police District and NSW Health Tobacco Regulation and Enforcement conducted a targeted compliance operation focusing on non-licensed retail tobacconists following recent Council
advocacy, increasing community concern, and reported complaints about the availability of illegal tobacco and vaping products.
As part of the operation, three premises in Armidale and Glen Innes were issued three-month closure notices under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008, with significant quantities of tobacco and vaping products seized, along with sums of money suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
Mayor Cr Margot Davis said the outcome of the operation reinforced the importance of coordinated enforcement and highlighted issues Council has been raising for some time.
“This result sends a clear message that illegal tobacco and vaping will not be tolerated in our communities.
“Glen Innes Severn Council has consistently raised concerns about the growth of illicit tobacco, the ease of access to unregulated vaping products, and the broader impacts these activities have on community health, public safety and legitimate local businesses.”
The Mayor noted that Council has made a number of formal representations on the issue, including council reports, advocacy correspondence and submissions to government, calling for stronger regulation, enforcement capacity and interagency coordination to address the illegal trade.
“Council has been clear in its advocacy that illicit tobacco and vaping are not just health issues – they are also linked to organised crime, lost revenue, and increased pressure on local services,”
“We have consistently supported tougher compliance measures and better resourcing for enforcement agencies.”
The Mayor also acknowledged the recent appearance of Council’s General Manager at a parliamentary inquiry examining illegal tobacco and related matters.
“The General Manager’s evidence at the parliamentary inquiry reflects Council’s strong position on this issue and our willingness to contribute constructively to policy reform,” the Mayor said.
“Local government has an important role to play in highlighting what is happening on the ground and ensuring regional communities like Glen Innes are not overlooked.”
The Mayor thanked New England Police and NSW Health for their work and encouraged continued community reporting.
“I commend the agencies involved for taking decisive action and for listening to concerns raised by the community,”
“Council will continue to advocate for stronger protections for our community and to work with state agencies to address illegal activity wherever it occurs.”
Media Release: Glen Innes Severn Council
