17/12/2024
In ongoing efforts to disrupt the illicit vape trade, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and cooperating agencies have seized a large volume of alleged illicit vapes, tobacco and other substances in coordinated operations across Australia.
On 30 October 2024, TGA and NSW Police officers executed warrants at several sites across metropolitan Sydney.
The joint operation resulted in the seizure of a commercial quantity of over 10,000 unlawful vapes, with an estimated street value of over $300,000, from retail tobacconist stores, a storage unit and a rural property. As part of its investigation, NSW Police subsequently arrested and charged a man.
Other items seized included a quantity of cannabis, counterfeit Viagra, over 472,000 illicit cigarettes, and over 160 kilograms of illicit tobacco- including molasses “shisha” and loose-leaf tobacco- with a street value of over $160,000.
‘Joint activities between law enforcement and regulatory agencies are crucial to disrupting the supply of illicit vaping and other therapeutic goods,’ said Professor Anthony Lawler, Head of the TGA and Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health and Aged Care. ‘I commend my colleagues at the TGA and local authorities for their ongoing enforcement of the new vape laws.’
Commander of the State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad, Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis, said NSW Police will continue to work closely with their partner agencies to stop any sort of illegal activity in NSW. ‘This joint operation with the TGA demonstrates the power of inter-agency cooperation in tackling the illicit trade of vapes and tobacco and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards,’ said Detective Superintendent Koutsoufis.
In a separate operation in Adelaide, the TGA collaborated with South Australian Consumer and Business Services to conduct a successful enforcement operation involving the investigation of over 60 retail businesses across the city. This resulted in the seizure of illicit vapes valued at over $3,500 from 3 businesses, and infringement notices totalling $150,240 being issued to 8 businesses.
These operations support the Australian Government’s world leading reforms to vaping goods regulation under the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Act 2024.
The TGA continues to work with state and territory authorities throughout Australia, conducting multiple joint operations to enforce the regulations and ensure compliance.
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