Queensland has closed 148 stores and seized more than $15.7 million worth of illegal smoking products in a 10-day blitz.
Operation Major, which the state says is Australia’s largest coordinated enforcement action against illicit tobacco and vapes, resulted in the seizure of 11.8 million cigarettes, 1.7 tonnes of loose tobacco, 87,000 vapes, 4.2 litres of vaping liquid and 270,000 nicotine pouches.
The closures were issued under new laws that allow Queensland Health to shut stores for 90 days without a court order.
Theo Foukkare, CEO of the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), praised the operation, saying it sends a strong signal to black-market operators.
“That’s 148 less stores selling illicit tobacco and vapes to the public and our members – and the Queensland community is far better off for it.
“It’s a show of strength by the Crisafulli Government and that is a big ask when they are fighting war that’s not theirs to battle because the Federal Government has failed to take simple steps to shut down the illicit tobacco and vape black market.
Although Foukkare warned that illegal traders are now shifting online.
“They’re pivoting because the demand for cheap products is there because of the Albanese policy failure on illicit tobacco.
These dodgy operators will always find a way to sell their illegal tobacco and vapes until the Albanese Government takes responsibility and diverts adults who choose to smoke and vape back into the regulated market.”
Queensland’s Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Dismantling Illegal Trade) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 passed Parliament on 19 November and came into effect the following week.
Tim Nicholls, Queensland Health Minister, said the laws were already delivering results.
“In the first 10 days of these tough new laws taking effect, our public health officers, with the support of police, ruthlessly targeted these criminals selling illegal chop chop and dangerous vapes.
“This historic action sends a clear message that Queensland will not tolerate businesses peddling illegal, addictive and dangerous vapes and tobacco in our community.”
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