Darling Downs Health inspecting for illegal tobacco supplying every nine days over 2023

Investigations into illegal tobacco operations are occurring across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs nearly once a week, as authorities try to clamp down on a near-$5bn national industry.

Authorities are investigating an illegal tobacco operation in Toowoomba and Darling Downs every nine days, in a bid to clamp down on the illicit trade across the region.

Darling Downs Health revealed it has completed 41 inspections through its public health unit in relation to illicit tobacco over the past year, as well as two in the past week.

This included a raid of a Toowoomba tobacconist on Hume St earlier this week with the help of Queensland Police, with several boxes of illicit products were seized.

Illegal tobacco or chop chop is being sold in Toowoomba stores, Friday, October 15, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Police have yet to issue a fine to the business owners over the tobacco.

A DDH spokeswoman said the responsibility of investigating illicit tobacco fell under the jurisdiction of Queensland Health, as it was an offence under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act of 1998.

It comes as Darling Downs Health tries to help curb smoking rates across its area, with 2020 statistics showing 11 per cent of adults on the Downs still smoked.

Police outside the Corner Tobacco Mart on Hume Street in Toowoomba City.

“We know that smoking is a leading contributor to death and disease which is why enforcement on illicit tobacco is a priority for Queensland Health as we work to reduce tobacco consumption and help increase quit smoking attempts,” the spokeswoman said.

“If you suspect that tobacco or other nicotine products are being sold illegally, please report it via 13 QGOV (13 74 68).”

Under new laws passed by the state government last year, the supply of illegal tobacco carries a maximum penalty of $46,000, while any supplier caught with illicit tobacco can be fined more than $21,000.

The consumption of illicit products made up 20 per cent of all tobacco usage across Australia, according to data from 2019.

This equates to 3000 tonnes of material, made up of either cigarettes manufactured outside of Australia and loose-leaf tobacco.

The industry represents about $4.9bn in lost revenue, including $3.8bn in evaded taxes and $1.1bn in reduced turnover for the legal industry.