Crisafulli Government turns up heat on illegal tobacco traders
- SPER officers execute warrants on 17 illegal tobacco operators who refused to pay their fines.
- $468k in cash and fine payments seized during SPER operations.
- Unpaid fines and penalties collected from illegal tobacco operators now total $5.4 million.
The Crisafulli Government has seized hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash as it continues its crackdown on illegal tobacco traders in a series of targeted raids.
Officers from the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) seized $468,000 in cash and other assets from illegal tobacco traders, targeting more than 20 stores across south east Queensland as part of enforcement operations.
Warrants were executed at properties in Capalaba, Deagon, West End, Ipswich, Calamvale, Helensvale and Paradise Point, with SPER officers issuing more than 1,000 enforcement orders to operators refusing to pay their fines.
During the raids, one illegal trader was caught attempting to hide cash behind a false wall at the back of their store, while another was operating a hidden tobacco shop at the rear of their retail store.
On top of the cash seized, officers also impounded a Mercedes AMG valued at almost $200,000 and a $50,000 SUV owned by company directors.
SPER officers will continue to work closely with Queensland Health and Queensland Police to plan and execute raids and seizure operations.
This latest enforcement action follows the Queensland Health-led Operation Appaloosa in March, where more than 76,000 vapes, 19 million illicit cigarettes and 3.6 tonnes of loose illicit tobacco were seized, with a combined estimated street value of $20.8 million.
Earlier this year, the Crisafulli Government introduced the nation's toughest fines for rogue store operators caught selling illicit tobacco and vapes and will continue to target them to keep dangerous vapes out of the hands of children.
The former Labor Government's failure to act allowed organised crime gangs to set up illegal chop shops in plain sight on street corners right across Queensland.
Treasurer David Janetzki said the Crisafulli Government made no apologies for targeting illicit tobacco operators across the State.
"The sale of illegal tobacco and vapes happened right under Labor's nose but we'll continue to come down hard on those breaking the law and ensure they're held accountable," Mr Janetzki said.
"The Crisafulli Government is determined to hit these illegal traders where it hurts, disrupt their cash flow and seize their cash and property.
"Several of these illegal operators have closed their doors for good because of these enforcement actions, so we'll continue to support SPER and other agencies so they can use their full powers under the law to prevent chop shops from selling illegal tobacco and vapes, particularly to young Queenslanders."
SPER Director Kim Easton said illegal traders would face further action where they chose not to pay their debts.
"Enforcement officers are carrying out seizure operations across south east Queensland against illegal tobacco operators to recover the debts they owe," Mr Easton said.
"We've caught several of these operators attempting to conceal assets, hiding cash in secret rooms and behind fake walls.
"Our officers will continue to ensure these debtors face consequences by seizing their cash and other property until these debts are paid."
