New Queensland tobacco laws spark wave of raids and smoke shop closures

Queensland's toughest tobacco laws have triggered mass raids across regional areas, with more than 40,000 cigarettes seized and shops shut down.

New strict tobacco laws have unleashed a wave of raids and led to widespread closures of smoke shops across regional Queensland.

The fresh laws, considered the toughest illicit tobacco laws in the country, came into effect last week and specifically target the illegal sale of vapes and cigarettes.

The state government released a statement last week detailing a number of recent closures across the Wide Bay region.

About 40,113 cigarettes, 14.9kg of loose tobacco and 478 vapes were seized, and 2.34 tonnes of products dumped.

One shop in the region was issued an interim closure order for three days, the statement said.

Consumers have spiralled online after a number of vape stores were forced to close under newly introduced tobacco laws. Image: Supplied

A Queensland Health spokesman said on Thursday the raids were in line with a “zero-tolerance approach ” to the illicit sale of tobacco and vaping products.

“We are committed to dismantling the supply of illegal vaping and tobacco products,” the spokesman said.

“Our zero-tolerance approach, backed by nation-leading penalties, has been incredibly effective at stopping the sale of millions of illegal tobacco and vaping products in Queensland.”

More than two tonnes of seized illicit tobacco and vape products have been dumped in the Wide Bay Region. Image: Supplied

“The new laws, which took effect last week, empower our officers to operate undercover in illicit tobacco and vape stores, shut down rogue retailers for up to three months, and seize lawful smoking products tainted by being next to black market tobacco and vapes.”

Queensland Health is currently working with other state and federal agencies to bring the illicit tobacco industry to its knees.

While investigations continue, Queensland Health is unable to comment on how many tobacco shops had been shut down across the region.

Raids launched across the Wide Bay region have uncovered 40, 113 cigarettes, 14.9kg loose tobacco and 478 vapes. Image: Supplied

Online, consumers across the Wide Bay took to social media to voice their frustrations and document the closures in their region.

In Bundaberg, one person asked an audience of more than forty thousand people whether there were any shops still open.

A notice displayed on the front of a raided tobacco shop in the Wide Bay region this week.

The post, which is one of 10 in the past two days garnered more than 70 responses.

A post shared online amid consumer frustrations over the tobacco shop closures.

After a series of raids across the Wide Bay this week, another commenter asked whether consumers should host a protest against the restrictions.

The post has since attracted more than 200 comments and likes.