Woman Arrested After Police Discover 47,000 Cigarettes at Closed Tobacco Shop
By Chloe · Published 31 Oct 2026 · Updated 31 Oct 2026
Moree, NSW
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Woman Arrested After Police Discover 47,000 Cigarettes at Closed Tobacco Shop - Moree, NSW
Smart summary
Police arrest a 34-year-old woman in Moree after allegedly discovering more than 47,000 cigarettes and a large amount of cash inside a tobacco shop operating despite a government closure order.
A 34-year-old woman has been arrested and charged after police allegedly discovered more than 47,000 cigarettes and a large amount of cash inside a closed tobacco shop in Moree, regional New South Wales.
The arrest took place on Friday, 30 October 2026, after officers from the New England Police District attended a business on Balo Street in Moree.
Police arrived at approximately 12:40 pm and entered the premises, which had been subject to a government-imposed closure order.
According to police, officers found a 34-year-old woman inside the business and subsequently arrested her. During a search of the premises, investigators allegedly located more than 47,000 cigarettes along with a substantial amount of cash.
The estimated street value of the seized tobacco products was approximately $150,000.
The business, identified as Moree Tobacconist, is located inside Balo Square Shopping Centre at 85 Balo Street. The shop had been closed under a 90-day NSW Health closure order, which had come into effect two days before the police operation.
The closure order was part of enforcement measures targeting businesses suspected of breaching tobacco-related regulations.
Police allege that the woman entered the closed premises without a reasonable excuse and was involved in selling tobacco products despite the restrictions.
Following her arrest, the woman was taken to Moree Police Station for questioning and further investigation.
She was charged with three offences relating to entering closed premises without reasonable excuse, selling tobacco products from closed premises and possessing illicit tobacco.
The possession charge relates to an alleged quantity of at least 25,000 but fewer than 125,000 cigarettes.
The discovery of such a large quantity of cigarettes has raised further questions about illegal tobacco sales and compliance with government enforcement orders in regional communities.
Illegal tobacco trading has become an important focus for authorities across New South Wales, with enforcement operations targeting businesses suspected of selling unregulated products or ignoring closure requirements.
The NSW Health closure order affecting Moree Tobacconist remains in force until 25 January 2027. Importantly, the order applies to the specific premises and does not prevent other businesses operating within Balo Square Shopping Centre from continuing their normal trading activities.
Police have seized the cigarettes and cash as part of their investigation. The case highlights the financial scale of alleged illicit tobacco operations and the enforcement challenges faced by authorities.
The woman now faces court proceedings over the alleged offences. The allegations have not yet been proven in court, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
PoliceTobaccoCigarettesClosedPremises
A 34-year-old woman has been arrested and charged after police allegedly discovered more than 47,000 cigarettes and a large amount of cash inside a closed tobacco shop in Moree, regional New South Wales.
The arrest took place on Friday, 30 October 2026, after officers from the New England Police District attended a business on Balo Street in Moree.
Police arrived at approximately 12:40 pm and entered the premises, which had been subject to a government-imposed closure order.
According to police, officers found a 34-year-old woman inside the business and subsequently arrested her. During a search of the premises, investigators allegedly located more than 47,000 cigarettes along with a substantial amount of cash.
The estimated street value of the seized tobacco products was approximately $150,000.
The business, identified as Moree Tobacconist, is located inside Balo Square Shopping Centre at 85 Balo Street. The shop had been closed under a 90-day NSW Health closure order, which had come into effect two days before the police operation.
The closure order was part of enforcement measures targeting businesses suspected of breaching tobacco-related regulations.
Police allege that the woman entered the closed premises without a reasonable excuse and was involved in selling tobacco products despite the restrictions.
Following her arrest, the woman was taken to Moree Police Station for questioning and further investigation.
She was charged with three offences relating to entering closed premises without reasonable excuse, selling tobacco products from closed premises and possessing illicit tobacco.
The possession charge relates to an alleged quantity of at least 25,000 but fewer than 125,000 cigarettes.
The discovery of such a large quantity of cigarettes has raised further questions about illegal tobacco sales and compliance with government enforcement orders in regional communities.
Illegal tobacco trading has become an important focus for authorities across New South Wales, with enforcement operations targeting businesses suspected of selling unregulated products or ignoring closure requirements.
The NSW Health closure order affecting Moree Tobacconist remains in force until 25 January 2027. Importantly, the order applies to the specific premises and does not prevent other businesses operating within Balo Square Shopping Centre from continuing their normal trading activities.
Police have seized the cigarettes and cash as part of their investigation. The case highlights the financial scale of alleged illicit tobacco operations and the enforcement challenges faced by authorities.
The woman now faces court proceedings over the alleged offences. The allegations have not yet been proven in court, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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