In a coordinated series of raids, more than $2 million worth of illegal tobacco products have been confiscated in Queensland. These raids were carried out as a result of the tough new policies implemented by Queensland Labor in May. Queensland Health took the lead in the operation, conducting strikes on 10 retail outlets in Emerald, Mackay, Townsville, Yeppoon, Ayr, and Rockhampton on Tuesday morning.
Simultaneously, the Australian Border Force-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce launched an operation on the Gold Coast, in which Queensland Health provided assistance. The combined efforts of both operations led to the seizure of over $2 million worth of items, including 54,000 vapes. The preliminary count from the retail raids conducted by Queensland Health revealed the seizure of over 7,300 vapes, 343kg of illicit tobacco, and hundreds of other illegal products, including drug utensils.
These raids were made possible by the stronger powers granted to Queensland Health under the new policies passed by Labor. The seizure of vapes comes after a report released by Queensland Health in May, which highlighted the harmful contents of vapes, such as high levels of nicotine, formaldehyde, arsenic, lead, and mercury. Acting Chief Health Officer Catherine McDougall emphasized the risks associated with e-cigarette use, stating that these products can contain up to 243 different chemical compounds, some of which are extremely hazardous when inhaled. McDougall also noted that many e-cigarette products contain illicit nicotine, an addictive substance with detrimental effects on brain development.
Queensland has made significant progress in reducing smoking rates over the past decade, resulting in a decrease in the burden of tobacco-related diseases. Thus, efforts to restrict access to tobacco and nicotine-containing products are strongly supported and applauded by McDougall and the health authorities.
Under the new tobacco policy introduced by Labor, the maximum penalties for supplying and storing illicit tobacco are $43,125 and $20,125, respectively. Queensland Health is now the lead agency responsible for investigating and confiscating illegal tobacco in retail settings. The legislation also introduced a licensing scheme for tobacco sales, the expansion of smoke-free areas, and stricter regulations on cigarette and vape sales in licensed venues. Additionally, new information sharing powers enable the sharing of intelligence with members of the Illicit Tobacco Taskforce, facilitating the investigation and targeting of illegal importation and cultivation of tobacco.
The successful raids and substantial seizure of illegal tobacco products demonstrate the commitment of Queensland Health and other law enforcement agencies to combat the illicit tobacco trade. These efforts align with the government’s goal of curbing the use of harmful tobacco and nicotine-containing products, protecting public health, and reducing the associated social and economic costs. By cracking down on the sale and possession of illicit tobacco, Queensland is taking a significant step towards a healthier and smoke-free future.
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