New South Wales Police conducted a joint operation in Morri, seizing illegal cigarettes and vapes worth approximately $300,000 AUD along with $50,000 AUD in cash. Authorities stated the operation significantly disrupted illicit trade and prevented vapes from reaching minors.
Key Highlights
- Seized Items: Approximately $300,000 AUD worth of illegal tobacco and vapes, plus $50,000 AUD in cash
- Enforcement Period: August 28–31, covering multiple tobacco shops in Moree
- Police Statement: Operation severely disrupted illegal trade and prevented minors from accessing vapes
- Political Response: Local MP called it “a huge win for Moree.”
- Related Context: Concurrently, Tamworth saw a home invasion assault case and the ongoing “Operation Sotiria.”
Seized Items
September 1, 2025 — New South Wales Police conducted a three-day enforcement operation in Moree, seizing approximately AUD 300,000 (about USD 197,000) worth of illegal tobacco and vapes, along with AUD 50,000 (about USD 33,000) in cash.
Inspector Dwayne De Vries of the New England Police District stated that police conducted surprise inspections at multiple tobacco shops between August 28 and 31. In a single operation on Friday alone, approximately $250,000 worth of illegal products and $30,000 in cash were seized.
“This operation targeted the illegal procurement and sale of vapes, seizing approximately $300,000 worth of illicit goods and $50,000 in cash,” De Vries said, emphasizing that the results dealt a significant blow to local illegal trade and were particularly important in preventing youth access to vapes.
Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Highlands, welcomed the operation as a major victory for Moree and thanked police for their efforts to protect the community and young people.
Police indicated investigations remain ongoing, with related legal proceedings expected to commence shortly.
Meanwhile, the Tamworth region saw multiple incidents during the same period, including a residential assault case and a concentrated enforcement effort under Operation Soteria. This specialized operation targeted residential burglaries, vehicle thefts, and the flaunting of criminal activities on social media, resulting in over 30 charges against 13 individuals.
