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Australia boosts Queensland illicit-tobacco crackdown by $2.7 million

By Drooid · Oct 5, 2026, 12:29 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Australia’s federal government adds $2.7 million to Queensland’s illicit-tobacco crackdown, total investment over $18 million.
Legal tobacco sales rose 55 % after November enforcement and stayed 40-45 % above baseline for six months.
The crackdown is projected to generate $89 million in excise revenue and $11 million GST over two years.
Operation Major seized $15.7 million of illicit products, including 11.8 million cigarettes and 87,000 vapes.
Landlords leasing to operators face $161,300 fines and up to 12 months jail.

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Story summary

Australia’s federal government adds $2.7 million to Queensland’s illicit-tobacco crackdown, total investment over $18 million.
Legal tobacco sales rose 55 % after November enforcement and stayed 40-45 % above baseline for six months.
The crackdown is projected to generate $89 million in excise revenue and $11 million GST over two years.
Operation Major seized $15.7 million of illicit products, including 11.8 million cigarettes and 87,000 vapes.
Landlords leasing to operators face $161,300 fines and up to 12 months jail.