Queensland closes 148 stores and seizes A$15.7 million in illegal smoking products during 10-day “Operation Major”

Queensland authorities shut down 148 stores and confiscated more than A$15.7 million (US$10.4 million) worth of illegal smoking goods in a 10-day enforcement push that ended last week. Named Operation Major, the blitz targeted illicit cigarettes, loose tobacco, vapes, vaping liquids and nicotine pouches.

Officials seized:
– 11.8 million cigarettes
– 1.7 tonnes of loose tobacco
– 87,000 vapes
– 4.2 litres of vaping liquid
– 270,000 nicotine pouches

The closures were carried out under new legislation that lets Queensland Health close premises for 90 days without a court order. Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the operation shows the state’s determination to crack down on illegal tobacco and vaping products and warned black‑market operators will be pursued aggressively.

Theo Foukkare, CEO of the Australian Association of Convenience Stores, welcomed the action but said illicit traders are moving online amid what he described as federal inaction on illegal tobacco. He called for coordinated national measures to steer consumers back to the regulated market.

This article was adapted from an original report published on tobaccoreporter.com. All rights belong to the original publisher.