One of Queensland’s Largest Tobacco and Vape Seizures Uncovered in Mackay
Millions of illegal cigarettes, vapes, and loose-leaf tobacco have been confiscated in what health officials are calling one of the largest single seizures in Queensland history.
Last week, authorities raided a warehouse in Mackay, uncovering boxes containing 3.3 million cigarettes, close to 20,000 vapes, and 300 kilograms of illicit “chop chop” tobacco.
The Queensland government said the joint effort between police and the public health unit sends a clear message that illegal shops linked to criminal gangs can no longer operate unnoticed.
“Queensland is leading the charge against these unlawful traders, committed to keeping dangerous vapes away from our kids,” said Health Minister Tim Nicholls.
Susan Gannon, CEO of Mackay Hospital and Health Service, said ongoing investigations were targeting other illegal operations in Mackay and the Whitsundays.
“This illegal activity won’t be tolerated. Our public health officers, working alongside other agencies, will remain vigilant in ensuring smoking product retailers follow the law,” Gannon said.
The Health Minister’s office confirmed the seized products will be forfeited to the state, with the Mackay Public Health Unit expected to issue penalties.
As of April, fines for selling illegal tobacco were raised to over $32,000 for individuals and more than $161,000 for corporations.
Nigel Dalton, Mackay MP and former police officer, called the scale of the raid remarkable.
“Just in Mackay alone, we’ve seized 3.3 million illegal cigarettes,” he said.
Despite the disruption to supply, Dalton noted demand for such products persists.
“People in Mackay have disposable income and many still buy these products. I urge the community to report any information to CrimeStoppers,” he said.
Ongoing Impact of the Illegal Trade
Theo Foukkare, CEO of the Australian Association of Convenience Stores, said the effects of the black market for tobacco and vapes are undeniable, even though most legitimate shops haven’t been directly targeted by violence.
“Retailers we represent have seen a $1.5 billion drop in legal tobacco sales over the past three years,” Foukkare said.
He warned that the combination of growing demand and the profitability of the illegal market has become a major draw for organised crime groups.
“Ten years ago, illegal tobacco was a hidden issue. Now it’s out in the open—shops with signs offering ‘cheap smokes’ and ‘vapes here’ are common across communities,” he added.
