Crackdown on illegal tobacco

Hundreds of thousands of dollars of illicit tobacco products have been seized by the Metro North Public Health Unit (PHU) in the first three months of 2024.

In Brisbane’s North, from January 1 to March 31, the PHU inspected 19 trailers suspected of illicit tobacco supply and issued 19 on-the-spot-fines.

This resulted in 459,908 cigarettes and 86 kilograms of loose tobacco being seized worth $428,307.

In that same period, the PHU received 38 complaints about potential breaches from the community.

“We make no apology for taking swift action to keep Queenslanders safe,” Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman said.

“Our Public Health Unit has delivered successful results in undertaking inspections and removing thousands of illicit cigarettes from our community.

“Our government is tackling this illegal trade head-on, which is why we have also introduced strong law reforms to better protect Queenslanders.

“We know vaping is marketed towards our children, and our government is steadfast in our approach to keeping illicit nicotine out of the hands of young people.”

The State Government recently introduced the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Vaping) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024.

The new reforms include tough new measures against the supply and commercial possession of illicit nicotine products, including vapes and their accessories.