Vapes targeted in raids on Gold Coast tobacco stores

Multiple shops on the Gold Coast have been raided by authorities investigating the alleged sale of illegal tobacco products.

Seven shops on the Gold Coast have been raided by health authorities investigating the alleged sale of illegal tobacco products.

The shops, which are believed to be part of a network of outlets involved in the illicit trade, were visited by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) from Queensland Health on Wednesday.

The Bulletin understands a number of illegal vaping products were discovered during the raids.

EHOs have the power to issue businesses with improvement notices, warnings and on-the-spot fines. They can also begin legal proceedings for alleged breaches of smoking laws.

On-the-spot fines of $550 per offence can be issued, while courts can issue penalties of almost $20,000.

It is believed that vapes were seized in the raids.

The raids come after a Bulletin investigation in November identified eight shops believed to be selling vapes and chop chop on the Gold Coast.

The products were also said to be for sale under the counter at butchers, fruit shops and even in rideshare cars.

Australian Association of Convenience Stores CEO Theo Foukkare said more needed to be done to combat the illegal trade, which is estimated to be costing the Federal government $1 billion each year in lost taxes.

“What this shows is it’s vital for police to allocate more resources to combating the illegal tobacco market in Queensland,” Mr Foukkare said.

“These stores continue to explode in popularity across the Gold Coast and it again shows the catastrophic regulatory failures and lack of enforcement that are supporting the growth of black markets.

“It is the illicit tobacco that is most worrying – there’s so much money at stake and it is known to be funding colourful characters that don’t always have the best interests of the community in mind.

“Responsible retailers who have been doing the right thing by the law and their communities are getting dudded out of thousands of dollars a week in revenue.”

Australian Association of Convenience Stores CEO Theo Foukkare.

A spokesperson for Queensland Health said the department was one of a number of government agencies working to combat illegal tobacco trading.

“Illegal tobacco trading is a tax and public health offence and we work with the responsible federal government agencies to prevent it,” the spokesperson said.

“We continue to work closely with key stakeholders, including retail groups and our partner agencies, as part of Australia’s interagency tobacco control response.

“If you suspect that illicit tobacco is grown, manufactured or sold you can report it anonymously to the ATO. Reporting it ensures the agencies involved can target enforcement efforts to where they are most required.”

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Originally published as Vapes targeted in raids on Gold Coast tobacco stores