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Major illegal tobacco, vape seizure across CQ

May 6, 2025 6:59 am in by
Recycling electronic cigarettes. Vapor sticks, e-cigarettes on light background.

There’s been a massive operation to get illegal vapes and tobacco products off our streets.

Across Queensland, the state health service and police launched Operation Appaloosa- targeting the sale of these products.

More than 30 locations were targeted across Queensland, including Central Queensland and the Wide Bay as well as Brisbane.

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The total haul saw the seizure 76,000 vapes, 19m illicit cigarettes and 3.6 tonnes of loose illicit tobacco.

That’s estimated to have a value of more than $20 million.

Health Minister Tim Nicholls told News Corp it was just the latest crackdown on the booming industry.

“We’re stepping up the war against dangerous illegal vapes making their way into the hands of Queensland kids, with serious fines and more enforcement,” he told the outlet.

“We’re hitting these illegal traders where it hurts most, by seizing their illicit goods to deprive them of generating a profit and hitting them with the nation’s toughest fines.”

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