15M Illicit Cigarettes, 172K Vapes Seized in Queensland

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Queensland's "Flying Squad" busts retailers hiding illegal cigarettes and vapes in secret compartments, trap doors, and even vacuum cleaners.

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Made up of former police, Border Force officials, and health officers, this specialized team conducts daily inspections to enforce smoking product laws.

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In just eight months, authorities seized 15.2 million illicit cigarettes worth $12.2 million and over 172,000 vapes worth $6 million.

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One recent Mackay crackdown netted nearly 40kg of loose tobacco, 1,620 illegal vapes, and 132,941 cigarettes in just three weeks.

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Queensland Health can now shut down non-compliant stores for up to 72 hours, with over 30 such closure orders already issued.

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Students hooked on vapes can't make it through a 70-minute class without sneaking out for a nicotine hit, pushing past teachers and classmates.

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Unregulated black market vapes contain dangerous chemicals and extremely high nicotine levels not found in legal products.

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The illegal tobacco trade costs Australia billions in lost tax revenue while funding organized crime operations.

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Retailers caught selling illicit products now face imprisonment and massive fines, with corporations paying the heaviest penalties.

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The public plays a crucial role by reporting suspicious tobacco and vape sales through the 13 QGOV hotline or online forms.

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