Branded cigarettes, tobacco allegedly continue to be sold despite government raid

There are concerns a Bundaberg business is still allegedly selling illicit tobacco products despite being raided by Qld Health, police and the Tax Office in February.

Fresh photos have allegedly revealed that a Bundaberg business is still selling branded tobacco, despite being raided in February.

The shop was reopened just hours after government officers were seen seizing a number of goods and taking them away in boxes.

The shop opened on Woongarra Street in late 2021, and was immediately popular with locals.

Its popularity also attracted the attention of other business owners selling legal and unbranded cigarettes and tobacco, who are now calling for the “chop shop” to be shut down.

The NewsMail reached out to the Australian Taxation Office, Queensland Health, Australian Border Force and Queensland Police Service, but none confirmed they were taking the lead on any current investigation.

Detective Acting Inspector David Harbison of the Hervey Bay CIB said he also acknowledges the community’s concerns.

Bulk boxes of branded cigarettes are still being sold from the shop despite the raid in February.

“I acknowledge that the sale of ‘under the counter’ cigarettes and tobacco is a concern to legitimate tobacco retailers and the community in general,” Mr Harbison said.

“The Australian Taxation Office has the remit for enforcement of Commonwealth legislation in respect to any offences involving illicit production and supply of tobacco.

“The Queensland Police Service will assist the ATO and other concerned stakeholders (Queensland Health) with enforcement action, but we do not generally prosecute or take the lead in these investigations.”

The NewsMail contacted the ATO for comment, but was referred back to Queensland Police.

“The ATO cannot comment as this is not an ATO operation or an operation the ATO is involved with,” an ATO spokesperson said.

“Any questions related to ongoing investigations should be referred to Queensland Police.”

Local politicians have also expressed concerns about the shop, with Burnett MP Stephen Bennett saying it was disappointing it could be driving out honest and local tobacco sellers.

“It’s disappointing to hear that any business would continue to allegedly operate illegally, especially after being warned,” Mr Bennett said.

“It is certainly a matter for police investigation if illegal activity is being conducted.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our community.

“Normally I am extremely proud of how our small businesses work together to support each other.

“It is not unusual to hear of local businesses sharing knowledge, expertise, and advice, in order to see our community thrive.

“It’s vital all levels of government support our small businesses to help them overcome challenges and expand.”

Mr Bennett said it was another nail in the coffin for small business owners who continued to struggle post-Covid.

“That’s why we need to get to the bottom of the State Government’s recent Business Basics Grant Program launch failure,” he said.

“Small businesses that struggled for years through Covid, went to apply for a grant only to find the promised money had dried up.

“Queensland small businesses deserve a fair go.”

Bundaberg MP Tom Smith said the safety of the Bundaberg community was of the “utmost importance to the Palaszczuk Government.”

“Any concerns relating to illegal or inappropriate activity that is brought to my attention I will always engage with the Bundaberg police, who are dedicated and professional in their ability to investigate and protect our community,” he said.

Hinkler MP Keith Pitt said he had received a number of complaints in relation to illicit tobacco.

“My office has been contacted by a number of constituents and businesses with concerns about illicit tobacco,” he said.

“These concerns have been reported to the former Minister for Home Affairs, the Illicit Tobacco Taskforce, the local State MP, as well as the Queensland Police Service.”

Anyone with concerns about illicit tobacco can make a report to the Illicit Tobacco Taskforce on 1800 009 623 or visit https://www.abf.gov.au/about-us/taskforces/illicit-tobacco-taskforce, or the Australian Taxation Office on 1800 060 062 or https://www.ato.gov.au/general/gen/making-a-tip-off/