Authorities from the VIPER Taskforce and Tobacco Licensing Victoria have not confirmed action in Shepparton, but rumours of upcoming raids appear to have spooked local retailers.
One customer told The News that shop owners were surprisingly open about what is going on and noticed that chip packets had replaced illicit tobacco spots on shelves.
“The first shop I went to, the person behind the counter told me they had packed up until further notice,” said the customer, who preferred to remain nameless.
“The second shop told me to come back after 12pm.
“The third got me to wait while someone went to what I presume was a vehicle and got me what I had asked for.”
A Facebook post to a community group last week sparked discussions about reports from Melbourne.
New enforcement powers that took effect on September 9 under the Tobacco Act 1987 allow TLV and Victoria Police to issue 90-day closure notices to any store found selling illicit tobacco.
In the first four weeks, the VIPER Taskforce and TLV have closed 61 stores linked to organised crime.
They have seized $3 million worth of illicit tobacco, found in more than two million illicit cigarettes, 40,000 vapes, 120kg of loose tobacco and more than $500,000 in cash.
Authorities have visited smoke shops across Melbourne and Geelong, with more deployments expected in the coming weeks.
Closed stores are marked with a yellow sticker on the front and removing it or trading while closed is an offence.
TLV chief operating officer Bree Oliver said the crackdown was targeting illegitimate businesses and imposing tough penalties on those breaking the law.
“This crackdown on illicit tobacco is shutting down illegitimate businesses across the state and bringing tough penalties to those who break the law,” Ms Oliver said.
The customer said they did not see the shop owners as criminals but instead people providing a cheaper option for those who couldn’t quit even as taxes increased.
“Years ago, smoking was advertised everywhere and was considered part of everyday life,” the customer said.
“Now the taxes keep going up, people who smoke can’t always afford them, but they haven’t simply stopped.
“Of course, they are looking for more affordable options. Maybe the government needs to rethink its approach.”
The News has approached authorities to ask when raids might be conducted in and around Shepparton but have not yet received a reply.
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