By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

 

AFTER much concern from neighbouring businesses and failed calls for action, a convenience shop in Newborough’s Old Sale Road precinct was discovered to be stashing ammunition and drugs.

A welfare check was called due to the alleged sole staff member of the store making continuous distressing noises from inside.

Despite repeated efforts from some business owners along the Old Sale Rd precinct in bringing potential illegal activity to the attention of local police and Latrobe City Council, it wasn’t until a welfare check was put out, which brought forth the discovery.

At roughly 3pm on Friday, July 17, police arrived and located an 18-year-old Traralgon resident, who was allegedly drug affected, and taken to hospital for treatment.

A subsequent search of the premises found a weapon and ammunition, an explosive device, which required the call out of the Bomb Response Unit to make safe, and other drugs.

The man was charged with multiple offences including the possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of cannabis, and the making of an explosive substance without lawful excuse.

He was remanded to appear at the Latrobe Magistrates’ Court on August 14.

The convenience store opened towards the end of last year and was closed for a period due to a ramraid prior to Christmas, in which a vehicle struck the shopfront.

One local business owner told the Express it was known to be selling vapes and illegal tobacco, however this was not mentioned at all in the most recent police report.

The business owner said that after failed efforts to bring the issue to the attention of Latrobe City Council and Moe Police, they instead lodged a report to Tobacco Licensing Victoria, which also saw no action.

Tobacco Licensing Victoria did not comment regarding any individual report or subsequent action made, saying it “receives information from a range of sources, including from members of the public, industry and partner agencies.”

Surrounding businesses were deeply concerned about the convenience store being potentially firebombed, which would affect insurance claims by the other businesses if any illegal trade was discovered.

A short walk from nearby schools, students were allegedly regularly visiting the convenience store, even via the back entrance.

A Latrobe City Council spokesperson said that council does not have enforcement responsibilities or powers in relation to tobacco regulation, and as such, direct concerns raised by the community to Victoria Police.

“Council has and will continue to work collaboratively with Victoria Police, other agencies and interested stakeholders on all matters of community safety through its Community Safety Advisory Committee,” they said.

“We encourage anyone with concerns about any illegal behaviour to contact Triple Zero or Crimestoppers on 1300 333 000.”

Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron highlight this issue back in February, eventually raising it in state Parliament in regards to the dispatching of illegal tobacco inspectors in the Latrobe Valley.

Mr Cameron said that the state government had tasked just 14 inspectors with the compliance and enforcement operations of more than 1000 tobacco stores across Victoria.

“I visited to speak with neighbouring businesses recently and the owners told me they’re scared,” he said.

“Their own operations are under threat because this form of organised crime has been allowed to continue unabated.”

He also urged local legitimate tobacco retailers to ensure proper licensing is in place, following a new state tobacco licensing scheme introduced on February 1, 2026.

The Allan government then passed new laws to give more powers to Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police, including the issuing of closure notices for up to 90 days.

The new laws also allow landlords to terminate a lease if a long-term closure is ordered.

According to the local business owner, the landlord of the convenience store was not privy to any activity occurring at the premises.

In 2024, a Morwell tobacco store was destroyed in a fire, but the Commercial Rd business reopened shortly after.

Reports of any suspicious tobacco activity can be made directly to Tobacco Licensing Victoria via an online webform at: www.vic.giv/contact-tobacco-licensing-victoria

Federal Member for Monash, Mary Aldred spoke on the illegal tobacco issue to the National Press Club of Australia.