General News
1 August, 2025
Vapes and tobacco seized from Oakey stores
Oakey’s two tobacco stores have been targeted as part of the Darling Downs Public Health Unit’s efforts to crack down on the sales of illicit tobacco and vapes.
Oakey Gift & Tobacco store was raided earlier this month at both locations, inside the arcade and outside on Campbell Street.
Goombungee Spar was inspected on suspicion, but no illicit goods were found.
The United service station on the Warrego Highway is set to be targeted as it openly sells vapes.
Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services Ali Broadbent said Darling Downs Public Health Unit was inspecting premises all over the Downs suspected of selling illicit tobacco and vape products.
“At Darling Downs Public Health Unit, we’ve conducted, since 1st June, inspections at 15 locations across Darling Downs,” she said.
“In that time, we have seized 190,000 individual cigarettes and 2,400 vapes.
“In that time, three premises have been closed, for three days each time.
“We will continue to target businesses that sell illicit tobacco and vapes as it’s a health risk to our community.
“The black market in illicit tobacco and vapes is likely to undo all the successful work that has happened to curb smoking rates and decrease preventable diseases and death.
“Vaping is not a safe alternative to tobacco and these devices can contain nine cancer-causing chemicals and research shows they can be a gateway to cigarette smoking.
“We (are) partner(ing) with Queensland Police to ensure our Environmental Health Officers are supported during these inspections.”
