Illegal tobacco trade targeted with 299 fines, 108 raids ahead of tough new laws

Queensland authorities issued 299 fines in hundreds of raids which netted millions of illegal cigarettes, as the state readies for stringent new laws.

Some of the products seized during raids undertaken by Public Health units across the state. Picture: Queensland Health

Queensland authorities issued 299 fines for use of illicit tobacco and vaping products, along with seizing 1925 vapes, 813kg of loose tobacco and 3.6 million cigarettes in 14 months from July 1 last year.

Queensland Health also revealed it launched legal proceedings in one case, ahead of state parliament passing the country’s toughest vaping laws.

Health authorities also carried out 1410 inspections and surveillance activities last year.

Across the nation, more than 24.5 million illicit cigarettes were seized along with 9.1 tonnes of loose tobacco, and 223,020 vapes with 1636 enforcement actions including written warnings, improvement notices, fines, and legal proceedings.

Tobacco seized in raids by Queensland Health units. Picture: Queensland Health

Metro South Hospital and Health Service also reported carrying out 108 inspections and surveillance activities.

The service also granted 896 new licences to the end of August with the state now having a total of 4750 licences.

The second stage of the system to regulate the sale of smoking products came into force on September 1 after the first stage came into play on July 1.

Under the scheme, unlicensed businesses face court penalties of up to $161,300 for an individual, or $806,500 for a corporation.

Originally published as Illegal tobacco trade targeted with 299 fines, 108 raids ahead of tough new laws