Crackdown in Queensland targeting illegal tobacco, vapes and nicotine products

Earlier this month, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) conducted a coordinated enforcement operation in Coopers Plains and Acacia Ridge.

The operation targeted the alleged unlawful storage and distribution of illicit vaping goods, illicit tobacco and unapproved nicotine products, and disrupted a significant supply network involving commercial quantities of products allegedly intended for sale through online and retail channels.

As part of the operation, officers executed search warrants at two storage facilities and an associated vehicle. The TGA seized more than 37,000 illicit vaping goods and over 650,000 pieces of unapproved nicotine gum. Queensland Health also seized approximately 60 kilograms of loose tobacco and more than 1.3 million cigarettes.

The unapproved nicotine gum products, which were labelled as containing high doses of nicotine, are not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). These products have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy. Consumers cannot be confident that the products contain the ingredients or that they have been manufactured to appropriate quality standards. The TGA has separately issued a warning to consumers about these products.

Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Head of the TGA, said "This operation demonstrates the ongoing strength of coordinated action between the TGA, Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Service in disrupting unlawful supply chains for illicit nicotine products. We remain committed to working with our enforcement partners to protect Australians from unsafe products."

Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Marianne Gale said "Any business selling illegal tobacco products will face the full extent of the state’s tough laws. The work we are doing alongside partner agencies has prevented millions of illicit products from hitting our streets. We know there is plenty of work still to be done but we can see our hardline approach is having a significant impact on the illicit supply chain in Queensland. Every operation we are involved in has an impact."

Non‑compliance with the vaping provisions in the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 can attract significant penalties, including imprisonment for up to 7 years, or fines of up to $2.55 million per offence for individuals and $25.5 million per offence for corporations.

The TGA encourages anyone with information about the illegal supply of vaping goods to report it via the TGA website.

People seeking help to quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence should speak with their doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare practitioner about appropriate treatment options, including approved nicotine gum products registered on the ARTG. Support is also available through Quitline on 13 7848 (13 QUIT) or by downloading the My QuitBuddy app.

Contact for members of the media:

• Email: news@health.gov.au
• Phone: 02 6289 7400