Tejal Somvanshi
Retail stores hiding illicit tobacco and vapes in secret compartments, trap doors, and even vacuum cleaners are being uncovered by Queensland Health’s specialized enforcement team. Dubbed the “Flying Squad,” this team of former police officers, Border Force officials, and environmental health officers is finding creative hiding spots across the state.
“These illegal operators try to make it difficult for us to track them down,” said Kirsty, the compliance team leader. “But no matter how many attempts they make to hide their illicit products, we will find them.”
Formed in June 2024, the centralized compliance team works daily to ensure retailers follow Queensland’s smoking product supply laws. They support Public Health Units statewide by increasing inspections of smoking product retailers.
Major Seizures Show Scale of Problem
Between July 2024 and February 2025, the team seized more than 15.2 million illicit cigarettes worth almost $12.2 million, 172,356 vaping products worth over $6 million, and more than 3.4 tonnes of loose tobacco worth over $2.3 million across Queensland.
In a recent crackdown in Mackay during April 2025, authorities confiscated 39.7kg of loose tobacco, 1,620 illegal vapes, 132,941 illegal cigarettes, and 475 bongs in just three weeks.
The team’s success includes multi-agency operations with various enforcement bodies. In August 2024, inspections of four stores resulted in seizing over 65,000 cigarettes. Later, in February 2025, a joint operation yielded almost one million cigarettes and approximately 25,000 vapes.
New Powers to Close Non-Compliant Businesses
Queensland Health now has authority to issue interim closure orders for up to 72 hours when there’s sufficient evidence of continued illicit tobacco or vape supply. Over 30 such orders have been issued since this power was granted under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998.
For persistent offenders, enforcement options include court orders for longer closures (up to six months) or injunctions to restrict business operations.
In 2024 alone, Queensland Health enforcement officers conducted 1,905 inspections, resulting in 2,321 penalty infringement notices, 268 warnings, and 363 improvement notices issued statewide.
Protecting Youth from Nicotine Addiction
One team member who switched careers from being a teacher’s aide to environmental health witnessed firsthand the impact of nicotine addiction on students.
“She saw some students unable to make it through a 70-minute lesson without going outside to have a puff to get that nicotine hit,” Kirsty explained. “Lying to teachers and going as far as pushing others out of the way to run out of a classroom so that they can have their vape.”
The team focuses on preventing young people from developing nicotine addiction at an early age. “That’s exactly what our team does every single day,” said Kirsty. “The more people we can prevent from taking up smoking and being exposed to second-hand smoke, the better.”
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Health Risks and Economic Impact
Illicit tobacco and vapes pose significant health risks as they aren’t subject to quality control or health regulations. These products often contain dangerous chemicals and lack required health warnings.
Research shows illegal vapes can contain various toxic substances and potentially dangerous levels of nicotine.
The economic toll is substantial. The illegal tobacco trade costs Australia’s economy billions in lost tax revenue annually that could have funded essential community services.
Increased Penalties for Offenders
Queensland has implemented stricter penalties to deter involvement in the illicit tobacco trade. Retailers now face potential imprisonment and substantial fines. The penalties are significantly higher for corporations involved in selling illicit tobacco products.
Links to Organized Crime
The illicit tobacco market isn’t just about tax evasion. Organized crime groups control a significant portion of Australia’s illicit tobacco market, using the profits to fund other serious criminal activities, including drug trafficking and money laundering.
Public Reporting Crucial to Success
The public plays a vital role in combating illicit tobacco and vapes. People can report suspicious activities by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or through online reporting forms on Queensland Health’s website.
“Our passion for protecting public health and dedication for enforcing controls on illicit tobacco and vapes will far outlast their profit and willingness to undertake illegal activity,” Kirsty said.
While smoking rates have declined over the years, the team acknowledges there’s still work to be done in preventing smoking uptake and protecting people from second-hand smoke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Queensland’s “Flying Squad” is a specialized team within Queensland Health formed in June 2024. The team includes former police officers, Border Force officials, and environmental health officers who conduct daily inspections to ensure retailers comply with smoking product laws. They’re experts at finding illicit tobacco and vapes hidden in secret compartments, trap doors, and even vacuum cleaners. Their main goal is to stop the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products, particularly to young people.
Between July 2024 and February 2025, authorities seized more than 15.2 million illicit cigarettes worth almost $12.2 million, 172,356 vaping products worth over $6 million, and more than 3.4 tonnes of loose tobacco worth over $2.3 million across Queensland. In a recent crackdown in Mackay during April 2025, they confiscated 39.7kg of loose tobacco, 1,620 illegal vapes, 132,941 illegal cigarettes, and 475 bongs in just three weeks.
Queensland Health can issue interim closure orders for stores for up to 72 hours when there’s sufficient evidence of continued illicit tobacco or vape supply. Over 30 such orders have been issued since this authority began under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998. For persistent offenders, enforcement options include court orders for longer closures (up to six months) or injunctions to restrict business operations. Retailers caught selling illicit products now face imprisonment and substantial fines, with corporations facing the heaviest penalties.
Illicit tobacco and vapes pose significant health risks because they aren’t subject to quality control or health regulations. These unregulated products often contain dangerous chemicals and lack required health warnings. Illegal vapes can contain various toxic substances and potentially dangerous levels of nicotine. Health officials are particularly concerned about young people developing nicotine addiction from these products, with students reported to be unable to sit through classes without needing a vape hit.
Yes, organized crime groups control a significant portion of Australia’s illicit tobacco market. These criminal networks use the profits from illegal tobacco and vape sales to fund other serious criminal activities, including drug trafficking and money laundering. The illegal tobacco trade costs Australia billions in lost tax revenue annually that could otherwise fund essential community services. This makes the fight against illicit tobacco not just a health issue but also a matter of combating organized crime.
The public can report suspicious activities related to illicit tobacco and vape sales by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or through online reporting forms available on Queensland Health’s website. Public reporting plays a crucial role in helping authorities identify and shut down illegal operations. Queensland Health relies on community intelligence to supplement their enforcement efforts and protect public health, particularly for young people who are vulnerable to nicotine addiction.
