"A Warning, Not a Technicality": MP Slams Illicit Tobacco Trade After Leeton Fire

In Short

• Investigation Ongoing: Police continue to treat the 10 February fire on Pine Avenue as suspicious, following a nearby break-in just days earlier.
• Tough New Laws: Recent legislation allows authorities to immediately shut down premises linked to illicit sales for up to 90 days.
• Landlord Liability: New laws before Parliament could see landlords facing 12 months in jail or $165,000 in fines for allowing illegal tobacco sales on their property.

Member for Murray Helen Dalton has described a suspicious fire that destroyed a Leeton tobacconist as a "sharp reminder" of the dangers posed by the illicit tobacco trade, warning that property owners can no longer "look the other way."

Emergency services were called to the Pine Avenue store at 5:50 am on Tuesday, 10 February. While Fire and Rescue crews extinguished the blaze, the building was extensively damaged. NSW Police have since established a crime scene, treating the incident as suspiciou, especially as it follows a violent break-in at the neighbouring homewares store, Mr & Dac, just days prior.

Helen Dalton MP said the incident highlights why the community must take illegal trade seriously.

"Last night’s fire at a Leeton tobacconist is a sharp reminder of why the laws around illicit tobacco exist," Mrs Dalton said. "When illegal trade takes hold, the risks do not stop at lost revenue. They spill into public safety, organised crime and real danger for nearby businesses and residents."

New Powers and Landlord Penalties

The fire comes as NSW authorities ramp up enforcement using powers passed in November 2025. These laws allow for the immediate closure of premises linked to illicit tobacco or vaping sales.

"NSW has already tightened the law," Mrs Dalton noted. "In November 2025, Parliament passed changes that allow authorities to shut premises linked to illicit tobacco or vaping sales and impose much tougher penalties. These powers are real and they are being used. Anyone involved needs to understand that this is no longer treated as a minor offence."

Further legislation currently before Parliament is set to place even greater responsibility on property owners.

"There is more coming. Legislation now before Parliament will make it an offence for landlords to allow illicit tobacco or vaping sales on their premises, with penalties of up to $165,000 or 12 months in jail," Mrs Dalton warned. "It will also allow leases to be terminated where a closure order has been issued. Property owners cannot look the other way and claim ignorance. Responsibility sits with everyone involved."

A Warning to the Community

With the Leeton investigation ongoing, the MP urged local business owners to be proactive in following the law to protect the broader community.

"This is a warning, not a technicality," she said. "If you are a business owner or a landlord, know the law, check what is happening on your premises, and act early. The consequences are serious and they affect the whole community."

NSW Police are continuing to call for any CCTV footage or information regarding the Pine Avenue fire. Anyone who can assist is urged to contact Leeton Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.