148 Illegal Tobacco Stores Shut Down in Major Statewide Operation

Queensland authorities have ordered the closure of 148 stores selling illicit tobacco and vaping products, using new 90-day shutdown powers for the first time in what is being described as the nation's largest enforcement sweep targeting the illegal smoking products market.

The ten-day operation, codenamed Operation Major, resulted in a combined 13,320 days' worth of closure orders issued to businesses across the state. More than $15.7 million in illegal goods were seized, including 11.8 million cigarettes, 1.7 tonnes of loose tobacco, 87,000 vapes, 4.2 litres of vaping liquids and 270,000 nicotine pouches.

The crackdown follows the passage of the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Dismantling Illegal Trade) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, which came into effect in late November. The new laws give Queensland Health the authority to shut down stores for up to 90 days without seeking a court order.

Health Minister Tim Nicholls said public health units, supported by police, had acted swiftly under the strengthened legislation to curb the spread of illegal tobacco and vaping products.

"In just ten days, officers were able to identify and shut down criminal operations selling dangerous and unlawful products throughout Queensland," Mr Nicholls said. "This unprecedented enforcement sends a strong message that these activities will not be tolerated."

He said that under previous laws, the same number of cases would have amounted to fewer than 450 total closure days-compared with more than 13,000 under the new powers.

Police Minister Dan Purdie said the coordinated effort between Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Service's Taskforce Masher had delivered a significant blow to organised crime groups involved in the illicit tobacco trade.

"Extensive raids conducted during Operation Major have disrupted a rapidly growing black market that has taken hold in communities across the state," Mr Purdie said. "This operation has effectively shut down more than 148 non-compliant businesses selling harmful products, including to young people."

Authorities say the blitz is part of an ongoing strategy to dismantle illegal supply chains and prevent harmful smoking and vaping products from reaching Queensland consumers, particularly minors.