A 29-year-old New Zealand woman has been charged after the execution of two search warrants in Innisfail uncovered more than 150kg of illicit tobacco and cigarettes on Wednesday (January 18).
The search warrants were executed after multiple reports from the community.
Police allegedly uncovered more than 87kg of cigarettes in fake packaging (65,600 individual cigarettes), illegally imported vape products and a quantity of cash in an Owen Street motel room.
Police will also allege around 70kg of loose tobacco and cigarettes in fake cartons and non-compliant packaging were located at a shop on Ernest Street.
The woman has been charged with one count each of possession of tobacco (100 kgs or above), offence to buy or possess S4 or S8 medicines or hazardous poisons, selling or supplying tobacco products in non-compliant retail packaging and possess tainted property.
She is due to appear before Innisfail Magistrates Court on February 27.
Investigations are ongoing.
Far North District Acting Detective Inspector Jason Chetham said these imported vapes and illicit tobacco products often contain dangerous chemicals which are banned in Australia and internationally.
"These products can have serious health implications for innocent members of the public who purchase them trusting they are compliant," he said.
"We urge anyone with information in relation to the possession of illicit tobacco or non-compliant products to contact police."
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
