Officers seize thousands of illegal products during Schoolies 2024 in Surfers Paradise

Thousands of illegal products have been seized in Surfers Paradise during Schoolies celebrations following a series of raids on local businesses. FULL DETAILS

Thousands of illegal vapes and more than 300,000 illicit tobacco products have been seized in Surfers Paradise during Schoolies celebrations.

The Gold Coast Public Health Unit conducted inspections and surveillance of tobacco retailers in the lead up to and during the annual rite of passage, which saw thousands of graduates descend on the Glitter Strip.

Seized illegal vapes.

More than 7000 vapes, 305,756 illegal tobacco sticks and just under 87kg of illicit loose tobacco were seized during the operation.

A Gold Coast Health spokesperson said environmental health officers who conducted compliance checks also maintained “high visibility” in the Schoolies precinct.

Seized tobacco products.

“This involved educating tobacco retailers and their employees about their legal responsibilities, issuing penalties for noncompliance, and taking enforcement action as required,” they said.

“Where noncompliance was noted, Penalty Infringement Notices and Compliance Notices were issued.”