Queensland shop raided by police and health officers over suspicion of selling alleged illegal tobacco

Tobacco compliance officers from the Wide Bay Public Health Unit seizing products from the store. (ABC Wide Bay: Johanna Marie)

A Bundaberg shop has been raided as part of a multi-agency investigation into alleged illegal tobacco trading.

The Bundy Tobacconist was closed on Wednesday, as officers from the Wide Bay Public Health Unit and Queensland Police Service (QPS) carried out a search of the premises.

Dozens of boxes of tobacco-related products were seized and removed from the retail store.

A spokesperson from Queensland Health confirmed the operation was related to the alleged sale of illegal tobacco. 

"We recently collaborated with the Queensland Police Service and the Australian Taxation Office to target unlawful cultivation and sale of illegal tobacco as part of Operation Romeo Serge," the spokesperson said.

It is understood no charges have been laid or enforcement action taken towards the business.

Queensland Police assisted in removing boxes of seized product from the retail store. (ABC Wide Bay: Johanna Marie)

Tip-offs lead to busts

"We continue to work closely with key stakeholders, including retail groups and our partner agencies, as part of Australia's inter-agency tobacco control response," the Queensland Health spokesperson said.

Bundy Tobacconist was closed on Wednesday. (ABC Wide Bay: Johanna Marie)

In 2018, more than $60 million worth of illegally grown tobacco was seized from farms in the Bundaberg region.

Police were initially alerted to the unscrupulous operations through a series of tip-offs from members of the community.

"If you suspect that illicit tobacco is grown, manufactured or sold, you can report it anonymously to the ATO," the Queensland Health spokesperson said.

"Reporting it ensures the agencies involved can target enforcement efforts to where they are most required."