$2m worth of tobacco, vapes seized in QLD statewide raids

Rolling raids across the state as part of a major multi-agency blitz has targeted the illegal sale of tobacco, vapes and other smoking products on the back of new laws in Queensland. See where retail crackdown hit hardest.

Authorities have seized more than $2m in illicit tobacco and vape products including 54,000 vapes in rolling raids across the state as part of a major multi-agency blitz.

Queensland Health led a strike on 10 retail outlets this week in Mackay, Emerald, Townsville, Yeppoon, Ayr and Rockhampton, which coincided with an Australian Border Force-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce operation on the Gold Coast and in northern New South Wales.

Under Operation Backburn, which targeted the illegal sale of tobacco, vapes and other smoking products on the back of new stronger tobacco laws that kicked off in June, more than $2m worth of illicit products was seized.

The Queensland Health-led retail raids were responsible for seizing more than 7,300 vapes, 343kg of illicit tobacco and hundreds of other illegal products, including bongs and ice pipes.

Mackay Public Health Unit environmental health officers and Criminal Investigation Branch detectives searched the Tobacco Shed on Carl Ct at Rural View, Tobacco Shed on Celeber Dr at Andergrove and the Smoke, Vape and Tobacconist opposite the hospital on Bridge Rd in West Mackay.

Authorities raided three tobacconist and vape shops across Mackay as part of a statewide Queensland Health-led multi-agency operation. Picture: MHHS

In February this year shops at Andergrove and Rural View were also raided as well as properties in the Whitsundays and a home in West Mackay and more than $500,000 worth of illicit items were seized in a police operation targeting the illegal sale of vapes and tobacco to children.

Mackay Public Health Unit director Brigid Fenech said the raids this week were “the biggest enforcement operation of its kind in Mackay under the new legislation”.

Mackay Public Health Unit officers seized nicotine vapes and illicit tobacco known as chop chop with a street value of $86,000. Picture: MHHS

“Additional public health staff were brought to Mackay as part of the statewide operation,” Ms Fenech said.

“Mackay Public Health Unit seized a quantity of nicotine vapes and illicit tobacco known as chop chop with a street value of $86,000.”

This included illegal nicotine vapes and liquid refills, leaf tobacco, illegal cigarettes, ice pipes and bongs and a number of business documents, Ms Fenech said.

Queensland Health led raid on 10 sites across the state including Mackay, Emerald, Rockhampton, Ayr and Townsville. Picture: MHHS

“It was very successful, and Mackay PHU will continue to be vigilant to ensure retailers of tobacco, vapes and other smoking products comply with the law.”

The raids follow the state government’s tough new laws passed in May granting Queensland Health stronger powers to crack down on illicit tobacco.

Under phase one of the new laws, which began on June 2, 2023, the retail supply or possession of illicit tobacco was an offence, that parents and guardians cannot legally supply smoking products to children and there would be new controls on the retail advertising and display of smoking products.

Phase two comes in from September 1 and involves new smoke-free buffers at outdoor eating and drinking venues, outdoor markets and all school car parks will be smokes free, as well as under 18 organised outdoor recreational events.

Morepublic health staff were brought to Mackay as part of the statewide operation. Picture: MHHS

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said there was a “zero-tolerance policy for those who peddle illicit tobacco”.

“That is why we passed laws earlier this year to arm Queensland Health with the tools to target those who undermine the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders,” Ms Fentiman said.

“These raids show that the laws are clearly working as intended.

“This should send a strong message to illegal tobacco and vape traders in Queensland: clean up your act or face the consequences.

“We will continue to work closely with partner agencies, including the ABF, to stamp out illicit tobacco.”

Penalty infringement notices will be issued with summons to appear in court for charges under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act and Medicines and Poisons Act.