A Queensland tobacconist accused of selling illicit tobacco products has been ordered to shut down his businesses.
It came after the Queensland government pursued a permanent injunction under tough new laws targeting the illegal trade.
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Mohammed Alfalahi, the owner of five Hervey Bay stores, was hit with an urgent interim injunction in the Supreme Court following a raid by Queensland Health officers.
Authorities allege the stores were selling non-compliant cigarettes and loose-leaf tobacco, with large volumes seized during inspections.
Barrister Peter O’Connor, representing Queensland Health, described Alfalahi as “a broad risk to community health”.
“It is a matter of some notoriety that these nefarious operators in this space do need to understand they can’t continue profiteering from this unregulated activity,” he said.
Judge Ken Barlow granted the interim injunction, preventing Alfalahi and his associates from operating or being involved in any tobacco-related business in Queensland until further court orders are made.
“If the employees are involved in the supply, the illegal supply of smoking products, then the employees are taking the risk of being involved in illegal activities and will have to take the brunt of the effect of such an injunction.”
The case will return to court in September, when Queensland Health will push for a permanent ban.
The government is also seeking enforceable undertakings that would remain in place for up to six months.
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