Queensland Authorities Seize More Than $7 Million in Illegal Tobacco and Vaping Products
10 Nov 2026
The enforcement operation took place on 3 and 4 November 2026, targeting a supply network allegedly distributing illegal products through shops and online channels.
Authorities carried out search warrants at 14 storage sheds across several Queensland locations.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) seized more than 45,400 illegal vaping products and 99,300 nicotine pouches.
Queensland Health also seized:
- More than 5.4 million illegal cigarettes.
- Over 1,160 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco.
- More than 1,100 smoking pipes.
Joint operation targets illegal supply networks
The operation is part of Australia's National Vaping Enforcement Framework, which aims to strengthen enforcement, protect public health and disrupt illegal tobacco and vaping supply networks.
Government agencies are continuing to work together by sharing intelligence and carrying out targeted operations to remove illegal products from the market.
Chris Bedford, Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Head of the TGA, said cooperation between agencies and the scale of the seizures showed the government’s efforts to stop the illegal sale of vapes and tobacco products.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Marianne Gale said the seizures were making a significant impact on illegal tobacco and vaping supplies across the state. She also confirmed that authorities would continue their enforcement efforts.
Significant penalties for illegal vaping supply
Under the vaping provisions of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, people who break the law can face serious penalties.
These include up to seven years in prison or fines of up to $2.55 million per offence for individuals and $25.5 million per offence for companies.
The TGA is encouraging anyone with information about the illegal supply of vaping products to report it through its website.
Support available for people wanting to quit
People who want to stop smoking or manage nicotine dependence are encouraged to speak with their doctor, pharmacist or another healthcare professional about suitable treatment options.
Approved nicotine gum products registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) are among the available options.
Free support is also available through the My QuitBuddy app.
Queensland Authorities Seize More Than $7 Million in Illegal Tobacco and Vaping Products
Source: Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.