Cairns illicit tobacco and vape bust nets products worth more than $200,000

A dramatic raid over illicit tobacco during which authorities were locked inside has netted a haul of alleged illegal cigarettes, vapes, bongs valued at almost a quarter of a million dollars.

A dramatic raid of illicit tobacco and vapes during which authorities were unlawfully locked inside has netted a haul of alleged illegal cigarettes, vapes, bongs valued at almost a quarter of a million dollars.

On Tuesday Queensland Health environmental health officers ran a compliance inspection of the Urban Tobacconist and Snacks shop on Grafton St.

Once inside the building police allege a young worker shut the shop roller doors and cut power to the shop. He was later charged with seven counts of deprivation of liberty before being released on bail under strict conditions, including that he surrender his passport to authorities.

The young worker is not charged with any wrongdoing in relation to the alleged illicit tobacco.

Cheap cigarettes for sale at the Grafton St shop. Picture: CHHHS

Once general duties officers restored access to the shop, health officers supported by police began the mammoth task of cataloguing a huge supply of illegal products estimated to be worth more than $200,000.

The latest raid follows an inspection in February during which allegedly illicit cigarettes, illicit loose tobacco, bongs and vapes were discovered.

The business was issued with 10 penalty infringement notices at the time.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service acting manager of Environmental Health Andrew D’Addona said their team identified multiple alleged breaches of the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act and the business was shut down for 72-hours.

“The health risks to the community associated with these products are well known and we are dedicated to working with our partner agencies to minimise community harm,” Mr D’Addona said.

Since the beginning of 2025 Environmental Health Officers have conducted 14 inspections of premises within the Cairns and Atherton Tablelands region.

Cumulatively, inspections led to the seizure of 792,590 cigarettes, 456,166kg loose tobacco and 4,448 vapes worth more than $350,000.

More than $200,000 worth of alleged illegal cigarettes, vapes, bongs were seized at a Cairns business this week. Picture: CHHHS

CHHHS Chief Executive Leena Singh said the seizure should serve as a warning for any businesses selling illegal smoking products.

“Our team will continue to conduct inspections and compliance checks across the entire region to curb the sale of these dangerous and illegal products,” she said.

Investigations are continuing in relation to the most recent inspection at the Grafton Street shop.

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Originally published as Cairns illicit tobacco and vape bust nets products worth more than $200,000