HEALTH bosses have issued a warning about illicit tobacco and vapes following the appearance of business owners before the Ipswich Magistrates Court in recent weeks.
One company was recently fined $45,000 as well as court costs amounting to $2,250 for selling illicit tobacco and vapes and breaching display and advertising smoking product regulations.
Another prosecution resulted in a vape-selling business being fined $40,000 plus $250 in professional costs for unlawfully supplying nicotine.
The hearings followed public complaints that led to investigations.
Acting Executive Director for Preventive and Prisoner Health at West Moreton Health, Dr Kelly McGowan said the products posed “serious health risks, particularly to young people”.
“Many illegal vapes contain dangerously high levels of nicotine, toxic chemicals and harmful additives,” Dr McGowan said.
“Exposure to these substances can cause lung damage, heart issues and long-term addiction, risks that we are working hard to reduce.”
West Moreton has one of Queensland’s highest smoking rates, and many rely on illicit vapes to manage nicotine addiction.
Queensland’s crackdown on illegal tobacco and vape sales tightened in September 2024, granting authorities the power to shut down businesses for up to six months if they continue selling illicit products or operate without a smoking product licence.
Under the new laws, retailers now face up to two years’ imprisonment, fines of up to $322,600 for individuals and fines of up to $1.6 million for corporations.
