Australia cracks down on illegal vapes, with 40,000 Australian dollars (approximately 30,000 US dollars) worth of illegal vapes seized in Melbourne. Offending stores face heavy fines, and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) emphasizes that vapes can only be obtained legally through pharmacies.
Key Points:
- 40,000 Australian dollars (approximately 30,000 US dollars) worth of illegal vapes were seized in Melbourne’s city center
- Joint operation by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Victoria Police
- The store violated the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989
- Illegal vape transactions face heavy penalties
Melbourne retail store seized approximately $30,000 worth of goods
According to a report by Indo Times on August 18, to crack down on illegal vape transactions. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), with the assistance of the Victoria Police, seized approximately 40,000 Australian dollars (approximately 30,000 US dollars) worth of illegal vapes from a well-known retail store in Melbourne’s city center. Additionally, Victoria Police also seized illegal tobacco products and cash.
The store violated the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989
The store is suspected of directly advertising and selling vape products to the public, violating the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. Under the Australian government’s tobacco control reform policy, the importation, manufacture, supply, advertising, and possession of non-therapeutic vapes are prohibited. The supply of any vape products by retailers constitutes a criminal offense.
Professor Anthony Lawler. TGA Director stated, “These actions underscore how seriously the TGA and other agencies take public complaints and ensure that illegal activities are curbed. Vapes can only be obtained legally through pharmacies, and therapeutic vape products for managing nicotine dependence and smoking can only be safely accessed with enhanced smoking cessation support measures.”
Illegal vape transactions face heavy penalties
The TGA will continue to collaborate with state and territory authorities. Including law enforcement agencies, to combat illegal supply chains and protect vulnerable Australians, particularly young people. Since January 2024, the TGA and the Australian Border Force have seized over 10.7 million illegal vapes, valued at AUD 535 million (approximately USD 300 million), and imposed fines exceeding AUD 1.3 million (approximately USD 850,000) on illegal vape activities.
Strict penalties apply for non-compliance, with individuals facing fines of up to 2.31 million Australian dollars (approximately 1.5 million US dollars) and businesses up to 23.1 million Australian dollars (approximately 15.04 million US dollars), or criminal charges of up to 1.65 million Australian dollars (approximately 1.07 million US dollars) and a maximum of seven years’ imprisonment.
As of July 1, 2024, all vape advertising is illegal. Vapes may only be sold through pharmacies; tobacco shops and convenience stores may not supply vapes even with a prescription. The public should consult healthcare professionals or pharmacists for assistance and support, including access to therapeutic vapes.
