Two stores in north Sydney were the first to be raided and immediately closed on Tuesday as the Minns government uses new powers to target the explosion in illicit tobacco and illegal vaping.

The St Leonards stores were shut for 90 days under sweeping powers given to NSW Health to enforce closure orders for shops selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods or tobacco without a licence.

More raids will be executed across NSW on Wednesday.

NSW Health inspectors found and seized 3860 illicit cigarettes and 224 illegal vapes in Tuesday’s raids on the Pacific Highway stores and during inspections of another two premises. Further investigations will follow and enforcement action, including prosecution, may take place.

NSW Health secretary Susan Pearce can also apply to the Local Court

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