Queensland Seizes $8.8M in Illegal Vapes & Tobacco
A major, coordinated operation in southeast Queensland has resulted in the seizure of illegal vaping and tobacco products with a street value exceeding $8.8 million. The crackdown, a joint effort between the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Queensland Health with support from the Queensland Police Service (QPS), targeted multiple storage and distribution sites suspected of unlawful possession and supply.
The operation yielded significant results for both agencies. The TGA seized illicit vapes, vaping accessories, and nicotine pouches with a street value of more than $3 million. Simultaneously, Queensland Health confiscated over $5.8 million worth of illegal cigarettes and loose-leaf tobacco. This enforcement action was conducted under the federal Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (TG Act) and Queensland’s specific tobacco legislation, reflecting a multi-layered approach to disrupting the illicit market.
Tracey Duffy, Acting Head of the TGA, stated that the seizures reflect a strong commitment from the Australian Government to protect young people from the harms of vaping. “These seizures reflect the strong commitment of the Australian Government to protect young Australians from the harms of vaping by disrupting the supply chain of illegal products,” she said, emphasizing the valuable partnership between the agencies.
Under current Australian law, vaping products can only be lawfully supplied through a pharmacy to support smoking cessation and manage nicotine dependence. It is illegal for general retailers, such as tobacconists, vape shops, and convenience stores, to sell any vapes, even if a customer has a prescription. Advertising of all vaping goods is also prohibited.
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Dr. Catherine McDougall, reinforced the state’s firm stance. “We have some of the toughest laws in the country and we will continue to take a hardline approach to the supply and possession of illicit tobacco and vape products in Queensland,” she said.
The penalties for non-compliance with the TG Act are severe, including potential imprisonment of up to 7 years and massive fines: up to $2.31 million for individuals and $23.1 million for corporations for each offense. This Queensland operation is part of the broader National Vaping Enforcement Framework. Since January 1, 2024, the TGA and Australian Border Force (ABF) have seized more than 13.6 million illicit vaping products nationwide, with an estimated street value of approximately $684 million, keeping them out of the community.
- Read more: Australia: Queensland Introduces Tough New Laws Targeting Illegal Vape Sales
- News press: Illegal vapes and cigarettes worth close to $9 million seized in joint operation
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