A NEW Cleveland fashion store has been raided and issued with a closure notice amid allegations it was operating as a front for the illegal sale of vaping products.
Fashion Spree, which recently opened in the Cleveland CBD, was visited by Queensland Health officers yesterday as part of the State Government’s crackdown on the illicit tobacco and vape trade.
The Bloomfield Street business was issued with a closure notice following the raid.
A local worker said they had become concerned after seeing customers queue outside the business in recent weeks.
Shoppers say only a limited range of clothing was visible behind darkened windows, while what appeared to be a vape price list was openly displayed on the counter.
The allegations follow the reported closure of three other suspected illegal tobacco or vape retailers in Cleveland.
Under federal laws introduced in July 2024, the legal supply of vapes is restricted to pharmacies.
Vaping products must be sold in plain packaging, with flavours limited to menthol, mint and tobacco.
It is illegal for other retailers, including tobacconists, convenience stores, fashion outlets and specialist vape shops, to sell any type of vaping product, regardless of whether it contains nicotine.
A Queensland Health spokesperson said tough State laws had helped prevent millions of illegal tobacco and vaping products from reaching Queensland streets.
“Queensland’s laws targeting the illicit tobacco and vape trade are among the toughest in the nation and have been instrumental in preventing millions of illicit tobacco products reaching the street,” the spokesperson said.
“We investigate all complaints of potential non-compliance and where there is evidence of non-compliance, we take swift enforcement action such as on-the-spot fines, closure orders and stock seizures.”
Authorities conducted more than 2800 inspections of Queensland retailers suspected of selling illicit tobacco and vaping products during the 2025-26 financial year.
The crackdown resulted in more than 300 short-term closure orders and the seizure of 65 million illicit cigarettes valued at more than $52 million.
Authorities also seized 8860kg of loose illicit tobacco valued at more than $6.2 million and 556,262 illicit vapes worth more than $27.8 million.
The statewide enforcement action comes as federal and State authorities intensify their campaign against the illicit tobacco and vape black market.
Australian Border Force officers recently led a major multi-agency operation across southeast Queensland that resulted in the seizure of illicit products worth more than $23.4 million in combined street value and allegedly evaded duty.
Almost 100 officers from six agencies carried out warrants and compliance checks at five retail outlets, four commercial premises and seven homes on June 16 and 17.
Authorities seized more than 13.7 million illicit cigarettes, 380kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 27,000 vapes and 30,000 nicotine pouches.
More than $175,000 in Australian currency was also seized, along with foreign cash, a cash-counting machine, a Rolex watch, electronic devices, suspected human growth hormone and drug paraphernalia.
Eight people of interest were identified, one outlet was temporarily closed, and the Australian Federal Police placed a hold on a bank account allegedly linked to the syndicate.
There is no suggestion Fashion Spree was connected to that alleged syndicate.
ABF Commander Illicit Tobacco and Vape Enforcement Greg Dowse said agencies were targeting every stage of the illegal supply chain.
“Whether you’re importing it, moving it, storing it or selling it, we have the collective multi-agency capability to identify, target and disrupt your activities,” he said.
Alleged breaches of Queensland tobacco laws can be reported by calling 13QGOV on 13 74 68.
