Six Hervey Bay businesses allegedly involved in the sale of illegal tobacco products are continuing to trade, despite Queensland Health seeking court approval to close them for six months.
Queensland Health brought the matter before the Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on Wednesday following a series of coordinated raids by the Wide Bay Public Health Unit and Queensland Police. These operations targeted six retail outlets in Hervey Bay suspected of dealing in illicit tobacco.
The most recent raid, conducted on Tuesday at Main Street Tobacconist, resulted in the seizure of more than 480,000 cigarettes, 70 kilograms of loose tobacco, and 176 vaping devices. The haul adds to growing concern among health authorities over the illegal tobacco market’s scale and public health impact.
This marks the first time Queensland Health has attempted to impose a six-month closure order under new laws introduced in September 2024. These updated regulations were designed to curb the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products and grant greater enforcement powers to health officials.
Currently, no criminal charges have been laid against the businesses or their owners. Five of the stores are operated by Mohammed Alfalahi, while a sixth is run by Adam Ayser. Neither appeared in court for the hearing.
Their lawyers requested more time to prepare their defence. Mr Alfalahi’s representative noted that he was overseas until next month, making it difficult to obtain instructions. Queensland Health opposed the adjournment, citing the potential for the stores to restock and resume selling illegal tobacco products shortly after the raids.
The court acknowledged that Queensland Health had notified the owners of legal proceedings around 3 June. Magistrate Trinity McGarvie granted an adjournment, stating that given the seriousness of the matter, proper diligence and preparation were necessary from all parties involved.
The case is set to return to Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on 26 June, where Queensland Health is expected to continue its push for temporary business closures under the new legislation.
The enforcement action is part of a broader strategy by the Queensland Government to reduce the availability of illicit tobacco products, which are not only unregulated but also pose significant health risks to consumers. Authorities have warned that illegal tobacco undermines public health campaigns, avoids taxation, and is often sold without proper age verification.
While the businesses remain open for now, Queensland Health has indicated it will continue using all available legal avenues to disrupt the unlawful supply of smoking and vaping products.
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