Five retail stores in regional Queensland have been shut down as part of a state-led crackdown on the alleged sale of illicit tobacco products. The stores, owned by a Dubai-based businessman, are now banned from participating in Queensland’s tobacco industry following an interim court order.
Queensland Health initiated urgent legal action against Mohammed Alfalahi and his businesses, all operating in Hervey Bay. Authorities allege the stores were involved in selling illegal tobacco products, including cigarettes and loose-leaf tobacco, many of which were found in non-compliant packaging that does not meet Australian standards.
Health officials submitted multiple affidavits, detailing their observations of unlawful activity. These included direct purchases of non-compliant tobacco and the seizure of large volumes of illicit products. The case is being pursued under new legislation aimed at disrupting criminal operations in the tobacco trade, which is known to be linked to organised networks.
The interim court order prohibits Mr Alfalahi and his agents from operating or supplying any tobacco or nicotine-related products in Queensland. This restriction will remain in place until further court decisions are made or a final ruling is handed down later this year.
The legal action does not stop with the interim ban. Queensland Health is also pursuing a separate matter in the Hervey Bay Magistrates Court, seeking enforceable undertakings against both Mr Alfalahi and the landlords of the properties where the businesses were based. The landlords have not opposed this move, clearing the path for additional compliance measures.
Mr Alfalahi opposed the interim injunction, arguing that the sudden closure of his stores could result in job losses and that there wasn’t sufficient time to properly respond to the claims. His legal team requested that the current business operations be allowed to continue until the scheduled hearing in the Magistrates Court, which is expected to take place within days.
Despite these objections, the District Court found there was a strong initial case to justify immediate restrictions. Mr Alfalahi had previously applied for a licence to legally sell tobacco in Queensland, but those applications were rejected due to his reported involvement in the sale of unauthorised nicotine products.
The court indicated that individuals working in these businesses may also face consequences if they are found to be involved in illegal activities. While the impact on employment is acknowledged, the enforcement of health regulations and the protection of community wellbeing were considered paramount.
The interim ban officially takes effect on Friday. From that date, Mr Alfalahi and anyone associated with his operations will be barred from participating in the sale, supply, or management of tobacco or nicotine products within Queensland. This restriction will continue until a final determination is made by the court or a new order is issued.
This case highlights the state’s increased efforts to curb the spread of unregulated tobacco, particularly through retail outlets suspected of bypassing licensing and safety standards. Queensland Health has been stepping up its enforcement actions in recent months, using stronger legal tools to address what it sees as a growing public health risk.
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