Responsible retailers have called on the Queensland Government and health authorities to go even harder on penalties for criminals caught trading in illicit tobacco and vapes, following the state’s record breaking bust that saw $19 million of illegal cigarettes, tonnes of loose leaf or “chop-chop” tobacco and tens of thousands of dangerous vapes taken off the streets, in a major win for community safety.
Australia’s biggest bust of its kind was conducted by Queensland Health’s Operation Appaloosa and would send a huge warning to crime groups running the illicit tobacco and vape black market, Australian Association of Convenience Store Association (AACS) CEO Theo Foukkare said.
“This is the biggest bust of its kind in Australia and AACS members want to congratulate the Queensland State Government and the Health department on getting this dangerous crap off of our streets and away from the state’s communities, especially kids,” Mr Foukkare said.
“QLD Health Minister Tim Nicholls and his department have inflicted a massive blow to the crime gangs who pockets hundreds of millions of dollars by selling these dodgy and dangerous products and our retailers are in full support of this,” Mr Foukkare said.
“This is a massive conquest in what is the beginning of the real war against illicit tobacco and vapes in Queensland and we urge the State Government to go even harder when it comes to enforcement and punishment.” Mr Foukkare said, while the bust is a significant step in the right direction, AACS members want the Queensland Government to adopt even stronger laws that match those in South Australia.
“We are calling on the Queensland government to urgently act and mirror the South Australian Malinauskas governments strong approach in terms of legislation and enforcement, where the fines are up to $4.2m for individuals and $6.6m for businesses – they can shut down stores for 72 hours and then up to six months.
“There are criminal penalties for landlords, landlord lease termination powers and a dedicated taskforce,
with 20 officers in place to use the new powers and they’re inflicted maximum damage.
“What we’re saying now is go even harder and keep when catching these thugs and don’t let them off lightly – increase the penalties or exceed those that criminals in South Australia face – then we will really shut this major problem down.”
Theo Foukkare is available for interview on 0423 003 133
Subscribe to our free mailing list and always be the first to receive the latest news and updates.