Queensland is experiencing an unprecedented wave of enforcement activity as health authorities intensify their crackdown on the illegal tobacco and vaping trade. A record number of raids have been conducted across the state, resulting in the seizure of tens of millions of illicit products and significant financial penalties.
In a first for the state, six stores commonly referred to as “chop shops” have been ordered to shut for six months following successful court proceedings. These closures come amid an aggressive campaign targeting the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes, with enforcement escalating rapidly over the past 10 months.
Since November, Queensland Health has seized approximately 45 million illegal cigarettes, 350,000 vaping devices, and six tonnes of loose tobacco. Alongside these seizures, authorities have issued over $20 million in fines to both individuals and businesses involved in the illicit trade.
Interim closure notices have also been issued to a further 116 stores, signalling a widespread effort to disrupt the supply network feeding these illegal products into the community. The campaign is focused not only on enforcement but also on prevention, aiming to stop illegal tobacco and vape products from reaching young Queenslanders.
The state government has identified organised crime groups as key players behind the black-market operations. Authorities believe these networks have been actively distributing illegal tobacco and vaping products through retail channels that have popped up across Queensland in recent years.
To address the scale of the problem, the government introduced new penalties in April. On-the-spot fines of $161,300 for businesses and $32,260 for individuals now apply to anyone caught selling or stocking illegal tobacco or vaping devices. These penalties are among the harshest in the country and are intended to act as a strong deterrent.
Enforcement capacity has also been significantly expanded. Close to $13 million was allocated in the latest state health budget to strengthen compliance measures. This funding is being used to hire 43 additional public health officers, increasing enforcement staffing levels by around 25 per cent.
The coordinated crackdown represents the state’s most determined effort yet to dismantle illicit tobacco operations and protect public health. Authorities are using a mix of intelligence gathering, on-ground inspections, and legal action to disrupt the network of retailers involved in the trade.
Officials have made it clear that this is not a short-term campaign. The state government is committed to maintaining pressure on illegal operators and will continue targeting businesses that breach the law. By removing illegal products from circulation and pursuing those responsible, the goal is to ensure that dangerous and unregulated substances do not end up in the hands of children or vulnerable members of the community.
Health authorities are urging retailers to comply with regulations and warning that non-compliance will result in serious consequences. With enforcement resources now significantly enhanced and new penalties in place, those involved in illicit tobacco sales face a much higher risk of being caught and penalised.
The broader impact of the crackdown is already being felt. Retailers are reportedly reviewing their supply chains and tightening internal controls to avoid falling foul of the law. Consumers, too, are being encouraged to purchase only from legitimate sources to support legal operators and protect their health.
As the campaign continues, Queensland positions itself as a national leader in the fight against illegal tobacco and vaping products. The message from the state is clear: there will be no tolerance for criminal activity that puts public health at risk.
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