The Queensland government in Australia has stepped up its crackdown on the illicit tobacco and vape trade. Since the launch of Operation 2024 in November 2024, Queensland has seized 45 million illegal cigarettes, 350,000 vapes, and over 6 tons of loose tobacco, resulting in fines totaling 19.7 million Australian dollars (approximately 12.77 million US dollars). The government also plans to hire 43 additional public health officers to strengthen law enforcement capabilities.
Key Points:
- Since the launch of Operation 2024 in November 2024. Queensland has seized 45 million illegal cigarettes, 350,000 vapes, and over 6 tons of loose tobacco, resulting in fines totaling 19.7 million Australian dollars (approximately 12.77 million US dollars).
- The government plans to hire 43 additional public health officers to strengthen law enforcement capabilities.
- Officials criticized the previous Labor government for inadequate regulation, stating that the current zero-tolerance policy is intended to protect youth and public health.
Queensland, Australia cracks down on illegal tobacco trade
The Queensland government in Australia is stepping up its crackdown on the illegal trade in tobacco and vapes, resulting in record seizures of dangerous and illegal products from Queensland streets, according to the state government’s official website.
Officials say that under the previous Labor government, illegal vendors were allowed to set up shop across Queensland, and the Labor government turned a blind eye, allowing children in Queensland to easily access toxic vapes and other illegal products.
Since the Queensland government launched this nation-leading crackdown in November 2024. Queensland Health has seized 45 million illegal cigarettes, 350,000 vapes, and more than 6 tons of loose tobacco. Queensland Health law enforcement officers have issued A$19.7 million (approximately US$12.77 million) in fines.
This critical work included Operation Appaloosa in March. The largest health-led seizure nationwide, which resulted in the seizure of more than 76,000 vapes, 19 million cigarettes, and 3.6 tons of loose tobacco.
The Queensland Government’s record health budget also allocated A$12.7 million (approximately US$8.23 million) to recruit 43 additional public health officers, increasing enforcement capacity by more than 25%.
Minister for Health and Emergency Services Tim Nicholls said:
- “The Queensland Government’s zero-tolerance approach to illegal tobacco and vape dealers has proven effective, and we will continue to take tough action to keep these dangerous products out of the sight of children. The previous Labor Government failed to manage communities across Queensland, implementing weak action that had no deterrent effect on these illegal vendors. We are targeting vendors where they are hurt by seizing illegal stock, issuing closure orders, and imposing the highest fines in the country, aiming to disrupt organized crime and protect the health of Queenslanders.”
