A NEW Cleveland fashion store has been accused of operating as a front for the illegal sale of vaping products amid a major crackdown on Queensland’s illicit trade.
Fashion Spree recently opened in the Cleveland CBD but concerns have been raised that clothing may not be the only merchandise available inside.
A local worker raised concerns the business was selling illicit vapes after reportedly seeing customers queue outside the store in recent weeks.
When this newspaper visited, 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.
Queensland Health confirmed the recently opened store in Bloomfield St was not currently subject to a closure order.
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 led a major multi-agency operation across SE Queensland that resulted in the seizure of illicit products worth more than $23.4 million in combined street value and allegedly evaded duty.
