$70 Million Illicit Tobacco and Vape Bust Highlights Organised Crime in Queensland

In one of the largest crackdowns in Queensland’s history, authorities have seized more than $70 million worth of illegal tobacco, cigarettes, and vaping products in a massive operation north of Brisbane.

The joint effort between the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) targeted organised crime groups behind large-scale black-market distribution and money laundering operations.

The Scale of the Bust

The size of the seizure underscores the scope of Australia’s black-market tobacco and vape trade:

• 30 million cigarettes

• 395,000 vapes

• 4,650 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco

• Plus an additional 450,000 cigarettes, 6,000 vapes, 500 kilograms of tobacco, and $1 million in cash confiscated from tobacconists and residences.

Authorities estimate more than $53.8 million in evaded tax duties, with the vapes alone valued at around $20 million on the street.

A Blow to Criminal Networks

ABF Acting Assistant Commissioner North, James Copeman, described the operation as “one of the largest illicit tobacco busts in Queensland’s history.”

He reinforced that dismantling these supply chains is essential to protecting the community, while Queensland Acting Premier Jarrod Bleijie reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance approach to illegal tobacco, vapes, and drugs.

Why It Matters

This record-breaking seizure does more than disrupt organised crime—it highlights the real risks posed by illicit products:

• Public Health Risks – Illegal vapes and tobacco are unregulated, meaning consumers are exposed to unknown ingredients and unsafe products.

• Economic Impact – The government loses billions in tax revenue each year, funds that would otherwise support health and community services.

• Ongoing Demand – Despite enforcement, demand for illicit products remains strong, fueling criminal networks.

What This Means for Australians

At Quitmed, we know many Australians trying to quit smoking or vaping feel the impact of these crackdowns. As authorities restrict illegal supply chains, the focus remains on:

• Ensuring access to safe, regulated, and compliant products

• Supporting individuals ready to break free from nicotine dependence

• Encouraging transparency and education around legal pathways

The Takeaway

This bust sends a clear message: criminal supply chains are being dismantled, and enforcement will continue to tighten nationwide.

For individuals, the safest and most sustainable choice is to avoid black-market products altogether and, where possible, seek support to quit smoking or vaping entirely.