Qld Health urges Wide Bay residents to report illegal tobacco

New evidence of a Queensland tobacconist displaying illegal vaping products just months after it was raided has emerged. It comes as tougher penalties loom. VIDEO, PHOTOS.

Queensland Health says it will continue to “proactively” investigate breaches of illegal tobacco sales, especially if new laws are passed to “strengthen action” imposed on those doing the wrong thing.

It comes after the NewsMail received word that a tobacco shop continued to offer illegal nicotine vapes for sale despite being raided six months ago.

When a reporter visited Bundy Tobbaconist this week, alleged illegal iGET vapes were still displayed on the shelves.

Photos show the vapes lined up across two large cabinets, with a price of “Any 3 for $50” written on the shelving.

‘Any 3 for $50’: Bundy Tobacconist is still selling nicotine vapes despite being raided six months ago. Nicotine vapes are illegal in Australia.

Bundy Tobacconist was previously raided in a multi-agency operation in February by officers from Queensland Health and Queensland Police.

They seized a number of tobacco-related products, including vapes, as part of the operation.

Bundy Tobacconist also only accepts cash payments, with staff directing people who present an EFTPOS card to an in-store ATM with a $2.70 fee.

Now, the shop is back displaying nicotine vapes, which are illegal in Australia unless on a prescription and supplied from a pharmacist.

Google reviews left for Bundy Tobacconist also shows evidence of the store selling mouldy tobacco.

“Bought 10 bags of tobacco and every bag was mouldy!” a customer wrote.

Another customer said the shop’s tobacco made her sick.

“Moldy [sic] tobacco. Refused to check it. Offered me Taylor‘s for a usless [sic] 50g pouch that gave me a chest infection and cold,” the customer said.

One customer left a review for Bundy Tobacconist on Google that showed mouldy tobacco.

The NewsMail approached the owner for comment about mouldy tobacco and the selling of nicotine vapes, but no response was given by the deadline.

The Australian Tax Office said the ATO actively pursues businesses wo demand cash payments.

“Transacting in cash may be a legitimate way of doing business,” a spokesperson said.

“However, the ATO actively pursues businesses who underreport income and demand to be paid in cash to avoid taxes.

“Every transaction in a business must be recorded, and all income, including cash income, must be reported to the ATO.

“If a business accepts cash, in payment for goods or services, they must record that cash payment. The ATO uses a range of tools to identify and take action against people and businesses that may not be correctly meeting their obligations or participating in the shadow economy.

“Those who participate in the cash and shadow economy are disadvantaging the community, honest taxpayers and honest businesses by not competing fairly.”

Recently announced proposed reforms by the Queensland Government could mean a bigger crackdown on the state’s smoking laws.

Queensland Health said changes to legislation would see “stronger action” on preventing the sale and supply of illicit tobacco, tougher restrictions on cigarette machines in licensed venues, expanding smoke-free areas and the development of a licensing scheme for the sale of e-cigarettes or vaping devices.

“We know more needs to be done, which is why the Queensland Government recently announced proposed reforms to the state’s smoking laws,” a Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service spokesperson said.

“We encourage community members to formally report information about suspected nicotine products, including tobacco, being sold illegally in the region to 13 QGOV (13 74 68).”

WBHHS further added it would continue to regularly investigate breaches of the current smoking laws.

“Complaints received about the illegal supply of smoking products by businesses in the Wide Bay region will be investigated to determine if any potential enforcement actions are required and appropriate under Queensland tobacco legislation,” a spokesperson said.

“Matters pertaining to illicit tobacco products that require federal examination will be forwarded to the relevant agencies for investigation.

“The Wide Bay Public Health Unit regularly completes proactive and targeted responses to breaches of the smoking product laws, including seizing products and taking samples to test for illicit nicotine content.

On the left: An illegal nicotine vape containing benzoic acid purchased from Bundaberg Tobacco and Gifts, which was raided in June. On the right: A legal vaping product from iVape.

“Illegal tobacco trading is a public health issue, as well as a tax offence, and we work with the responsible federal government agencies to prevent it.”

Bundy Tobacconist has now moved from their 4/58 Woongarra St, and is instead trading at 38A Targo Street.

In July, another tobacco shop, Bundaberg Tobacco and Gifts, was raided by the local police drug squad, with the store owner and assistant also paid a visit by Australian Border Force.

The store is also displaying illegal iGET vaping products, which was seized from the store during the raid.

On July 18, alleged owner, Hasheem Jamal Al Deleymi and his store assistant, Hamzah Novel Mahri appeared in court over the incident.

The pair will appear before the court again on October 10.