Police operation targets selling tobacco, vapes to children

‘Significant intelligence’ from the community led to regional police uncovering more than $500k worth of illicit tobacco and vapes allegedly being sold to young people, including children in school uniforms. WATCH THE VIDEO

Detectives will allege illicit tobacco and vapes were being sold to young people in school uniforms as a police operation seized more than half a million worth items from businesses across Mackay and the Whitsundays.

Two people have been since appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court after police raided four addresses on Friday, February 10.

“We received significant intelligence from the community that various businesses were engaging in the sale and supplying of tobacco and tobacco related products to children under the age of 18 years,” Mackay Whitsunday District Detective Inspector Emma Novosel

Search warrants were executed at businesses in Celeber Dr at Andergrove, Carl Crt at Rural View, The Esplanade at Airlie Beach and a home at West Mackay.

Detectives launched Operation Kitimat over multiple concerns from the community in relation to the sale of vapes and tobacco products to children, including those in school uniforms within the Mackay Whitsunday region. Picture: QPS

As a result police allegedly seized items totalling more than $500,000 including 100kg of illicit tobacco, thousands of illegal smoking products such as vapes and about $80,000 in cash.

“We are working with other agencies … we are working with health and border force to work out where these are coming from,” Inspecting Novosel said.

“What’s more concerning is that these people were happy to supply these tobacco related products to children and young people.

Police raided four addresses and seized up to $500,000 worth of items. Picture: QPS

“Sales were occurring to people in school uniforms before and after school.”

A 32-year-old woman and 30-year-old man have each been charged with possessing tainted property and have since appeared in court.

Inspector Novosel said vapes were “designed to be attractive to young people”.

Detective Inspector Emma Novosel emphasised the importance of keeping tobacco products out of the hands of the youth so as to not stunt or delay their development. Picture: Mitchell Dyer

“They’re in bright packages and have sweet flavours. Essentially they are designed to inhale chemicals which can be really damaging to your peoples development,” she said.

Inspector Novosel said Operation Kitimat was launched months ago following multiple concerns from the community.

“Operation Kitimat identified that the peak trading times were prior to 9am and after 3pm, which corroborates significant information we received from members of the public,” Inspector Novosel said.

This included 100kg of illicit tobacco, thousands of illegal smoking products such as vapes and about $80,000 in cash. Picture: QPS

“The operation was aimed to disrupt this criminal enterprise and send a clear message that such activity, including the sale of tobacco and smoking products to children will not be tolerated in Mackay Whitsunday District.

“It’s a really great outcome for us these products not being available in Mackay to young people,” she said.

“It’s certainly enhanced the health and safety of young people in the area.”

The investigation is ongoing.

“We urge anyone with information in relation to the possession of illicit tobacco or non-compliant products to contact police,” Inspector Novosel said.