Toowoomba tobacco shop raided by Qld police, government agencies over illegal products

Illegal tobacco has been reportedy seized from a Toowoomba smoke shop when police and Queensland government authorities swooped in on the CBD business.

A smoke shop close to the Toowoomba CBD has been raided by Queensland Police and other government agencies over what is believed to be the sale of illegal tobacco.

Officers from Queensland Health and the Queensland Police were seen carrying out an operation on the Corner Tobacco Mart on Hume Street in Toowoomba City about 11am.

Officers seized a quantity of illegal loose-leaf tobacco, with residents witnessing police carrying out multiple boxes of products.

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

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

Police also located a flick knife and a small amount of cannabis that a male staff member was allegedly in possession of.

The man, aged in his 20s, was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of dangerous drugs.

Despite the charges, the man was in good spirits.

“Everyone acted very professionally, they did what they had to do,” he told The Chronicle at the scene.

“I don’t feel animosity — it is what it is.”

It is believed the raid is over illegal tobacco or “chop chop”, the sale of which has continued to grow in recent years.

Queensland Health is reportedly the lead agency on the matter.

Both Queensland Police and the department have been contacted for comment.