The operators of an illegal solarium on the Gold Coast are facing fines of up to $2.5 million after police raided an industrial shed.
Acting Chief Superintendent Rhys Wildman said police officers and Queensland Health officials entered the illegal tanning operation on July 7.
"There were a couple of people that were operating a business out of an industrial estate at Nerang," he said.
"They have five different solarium beds in play, including two where you stand inside and two where you are laying down."
Two people are facing prosecution by Queensland Health for operating the illegal business.
"It just reflects the degree of risk that people still face in conducting these tanning solariums.
"The risk of melanomas and skin cancers is just a proven fact."
Solariums banned six years ago
The Queensland Government banned commercial solariums in January 2015.
Queensland Health said solariums and sun beds were not a safe way to tan because they released ultraviolet radiation (UVR), just like the sun.
UVR damages skin cells and can lead to the development of skin cancer, with UVR from sun beds up to 5 times stronger than UVR from the midday summer sun.
Acting Superintendent Wildman said one person was also issued a Notice To Appear at the Southport Magistrates Court for allegedly selling drugs from the business.
"Different melatonin and other medications used for assisting the tanning process," he said.
Police will not say how the illegal solarium came to their attention, but indicated there may have been a tip-off to either Queensland Health or Crime Stoppers.
"It is very hard to run these type of businesses without someone becoming aware," he said.
Acting Superintendent Wildman said there was a real risk involved in buying medication through the internet.
"They're obtaining the medications through nefarious means ... then you don't know what you are buying," he said.
