Two illicit tobacco stores in Sydney's North Shore have been shut down as the state government's crackdown on the costly industry begins.

Minister for Health Ryan Park announced this morning two stores in St Leonards were shut down after the government applied new powers allowing them to shut down stores suspected of selling illicit tobacco and vapes.

In an image sent to 9news.com.au, a paper notice on the front of one of the stores stated the closure would last until February 2, 2026.

Inspectors seized nearly 4000 illicit cigarettes and 224 illegal vapes during searches on the two shops, with the government subsequently issuing a closure order.

These last for 90 days, with the local court being able to make a long-term closure of up to a year if investigators find a larger-scal

See Full Page