More than 450,000 illicit cigarettes and thousands of vaping devices have been seized during a multi-agency crackdown on illegal tobacco sales across Canberra.

The ACT Government says the operation targeted six retail outlets and involved Access Canberra, police, the Australian Border Force and the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Authorities seized more than 455,000 cigarettes, about 175 kilograms of loose tobacco, 1643 vaping devices and more than 6000 cigars, along with about $27,400 in cash. Six people of interest linked to the illicit tobacco trade were also identified.

City and Government Services Minister Tara Cheyne said: “Illicit tobacco and illegal vaping products pose real risks to public health, undermine businesses that operate lawfully, and can fuel organised crime.”

The operation was part of the Australian Border Force-led Illicit Tobacco National Disruption Group, which brings together 29 state and federal agencies to target illegal supply chains.

ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading Josh Rynehart said retailers had been put on notice to comply with the law.

“Selling illicit tobacco or illegal vaping products is a serious breach that undermines consumer trust, damages legitimate businesses and puts community health at risk,” he said.