More than 1.3 million cigarettes and 37,000 illegal vapes have been seized during raids on two Brisbane storage facilities.

The haul also included 650,000 pieces of unapproved nicotine gum and about 60kg of loose tobacco.

The seizures were made earlier this month during a joint operation involving the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Queensland Health and Queensland Police.

Officers searched facilities in Coopers Plains and Acacia Ridge, as well as an associated vehicle.

Investigators were targeting an alleged distribution network supplying illicit tobacco, vaping products and unapproved nicotine goods.

Authorities allege the products were being stored for distribution through online and retail outlets.

The nicotine gum seized during the raids was labelled as containing high doses of nicotine.

The products are not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods however, and have not undergone safety, quality or effectiveness assessments by the TGA.

The regulator has warned consumers there is no guarantee the gum contains the ingredients listed on its packaging or meets appropriate manufacturing standards.

Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and head of the TGA, said the operation highlighted the importance of agencies working together.

“We remain committed to working with our enforcement partners to protect Australians from unsafe products,” he said.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Marianne Gale said the state was continuing to target businesses involved in illegal tobacco sales.

“Any business selling illegal tobacco products will face the full extent of the state’s tough laws,” Dr Gale said.

“The work we are doing alongside partner agencies has prevented millions of illicit products from hitting our streets.

“We know there is plenty of work still to be done but we can see our hardline approach is having a significant impact on the illicit supply chain in Queensland.”

Businesses and individuals found breaching vaping laws can face significant penalties.

Under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, individuals face up to seven years in prison or fines of up to $2.55 million per offence.

Corporations can face fines of up to $25.5 million per offence.

Anyone with information about the illegal supply of vaping products can report it to the TGA.

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