Authorities have seized more than 500 kilograms of illicit tobacco and thousands of vapes from stores across Bundaberg as strict new laws are enforced for the first time in Queensland.
The Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Public Health unit confirmed three “unlicensed tobacconists who were found selling illicit tobacco and vapes” were shut down on Tuesday.
With assistance from Queensland Police, the team seized more than $1 million worth of contraband.
In a statement, the Wide Bay Public Health Unit’s director of environmental health, Wayne Ingall, said the raids were a product of significant planning since the legislation came into force two months ago.
“Illicit smoking and vaping products undermine important public health measures including plain packaging, health warnings,” he said.
“And in the case of nicotine vapes, the requirement for a prescription.”
Some of the illicit tobacco that was seized in Bundaberg. (Supplied: WBHHS)
Mr Ingall said illicit “chop chop” tobacco was not regulated and posed major health risks.
“People think they’re going down a healthier natural pathway, but nothing could be further from the truth,” he said.
”These products come in from overseas. They’re freeze dried in bags, and then they’re basically chopped up and put into pouches or cigarette funnels,
“We’re always receiving complaints, believe it or not, from customers who buy this stuff, to say that it’s full of mould.”
The interim closure order issued to the three businesses in Bundaberg stated the businesses must “cease the supply of smoking products” for 72 hours.
No charges have been laid.
The interim closure order issued to a tobacconist in Bundaberg. (ABC Wide Bay: Johanna Marie)
Under the powers, which came into effect in Queensland in September, authorities can close a business for up to six months if they continue to sell illicit tobacco or vape products, or operate without a smoking product licence.
Penalties were also increased, with retailers facing up to two years’ imprisonment and court penalties of up to $322,600 for an individual, or $1.6 million for a corporation.
Mr Ingall said the tougher laws were necessary.
“Historically, our fines weren’t scratching the surface and had no impact on their business,” he said.
Illicit tobacco products and thousands of vapes were seized during raids. (Supplied: WBHHS)
Employees can also be fined up to $32,260 if they are found to be working in a store supplying smoking products during the closure order period.
In a statement, WBHHS Chief Executive Debbie Carroll said she was “proud to be leading the state in carrying out closure notices”.
“The enforcement of these new laws sends a clear message that illegal tobacco sales will not be tolerated in our community.”
