Rabieh Kanjou and Abigail Catherine Cooke charged in police Operation Kitimat

Two people arrested and charged following a North Qld police sting targeting the illicit sale of tobacco and vapes to children have entered pleas.

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

Two people charged following a police sting targeting the illicit sale of tobacco and vapes to children plan to defend against the allegations.

Rabieh Kanjou and Abigail Catherine Cooke are each charged with possessing cash “reasonable suspected of being tainted property” on February 10, 2023 at Mackay.

Last month detectives raided four properties as part of Operation Kitimat, uncovering half a million dollars worth of illicit tobacco and vapes at businesses in the Mackay Whitsunday district.

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.

Police alleged sales were occurring to people in school uniforms before and after school.

Mr Kanjou, 30 and Ms Cooke, 32, were each charged with possessing tainted property.

During a brief mentioned in Mackay Magistrates Court on Monday the pair pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court heard the pair had since moved to Victoria and were on bail.

Magistrate Damien Dwyer ordered the brief of evidence be disclosed by 5pm on May 12 and the matter was listed for hearing on July 11.