Stores across Mackay selling illicit tobacco and vapes hit with closures and face hefty fines.
Illicit tobacco and vape products have been seized and stores closed in raids across Mackay as strict new laws were enforced in the region for the first time.
The Mackay Public Health Unit (MPHU), a division of Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS), has confirmed that over the past three weeks, eight unlicensed tobacconists who were found selling illicit tobacco and vapes had stock seized, and five of these faced forced closures.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Director of Public Health Brigid Fenech said the raids were executed following significant planning since new legislation came into force in September 2024.
“This sends a clear message that illegal tobacco sales will not be tolerated in the community,” Ms Fenech said.
“Our public health officers will continue to be vigilant to ensure retailers of tobacco, vapes and other smoking products comply with the law.”
Entry powers were enacted, and searches executed with the assistance of the Queensland Police Service on tobacco stores across the city.
Under strict new laws, the stores were hit with on-the-spot fines, ordered to close for 72 hours and contraband including nicotine vapes and illicit tobacco known as chop chop, was seized.
Other contraband found in the raids included vape liquid refills, illegal cigarettes, ice pipes and bongs.
Under these powers, Queensland authorities can now enforce an on-the-spot 72-hour closure on a premises operators found to be repeat offenders of selling illicit products or operating without a smoking product licence.
Penalties have also increased, with retailers facing up to two years' imprisonment and employees fined up to $32,260 if they are found to be working in a store supplying smoking products during the closure order period.
Penalty infringement notices will be issued with summons to appear in court for charges under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act and the Medicines and Poisons Act.
Seizures since 20 March 2025 included:
* Loose tobacco (chop chop) – 39.7kg
* Illegal vapes – 1620.
* Illegal cigarettes – 132,941
* Bongs – 475
* Ice pipes – 208.
