Illegal vapes and cigarettes worth close to $9 million seized in joint operation

A coordinated crackdown on illegal vapes in southeast Queensland has led to a significant seizure of illegal vaping and tobacco products with a street value exceeding $8.8 million. During the operation, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) seized illicit vapes, vaping accessories and nicotine pouches with a street value of more than $3 million. Queensland Health seized more than $5.8 million of illegal cigarettes and loose tobacco.

The operation, which enforced vaping laws under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the TG Act) and Queensland’s tobacco legislation, was carried out by the TGA and Queensland Health, with support from the Queensland Police Service (QPS). It targeted multiple storage and distribution sites suspected of the unlawful possession and supply of vaping products and illicit tobacco.

The actions of the TGA and the Queensland Government are underpinned by the National Vaping Enforcement Framework, which aims to deter the illegal supply of vaping products and disrupt criminal networks profiting from the illicit vape trade.

“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,” said Tracey Duffy, Acting Head of the TGA. “I recognise the valuable partnership between the TGA, Queensland Health and QPS, which is vital in working towards this important goal.”

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said Queensland Health had taken strong action to disrupt the supply of illicit tobacco and vapes.

“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,” Dr McDougall said.

Vaping products can only be supplied lawfully through an Australian pharmacy for smoking cessation and management of nicotine dependence. It is unlawful for Australian retailers such as tobacconists, vape shops, and convenience stores to sell any vapes, even with a prescription. Advertising of all vaping goods is prohibited unless authorised.

Non-compliance with vaping offences in the TG Act can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment of up to 7 years and fines up to $2.31 million for individuals and $23.1 million for corporations (for each offence).

The TGA will continue to take strong enforcement action against companies and individuals who contravene the TG Act. These actions are in collaboration with the Australian Border Force (ABF) and state and territory enforcement agencies. Since 1 January 2024, more than 13.6 million illicit vaping products with an estimated street value of approximately $684 million have been seized and kept out of the community by the TGA and ABF.

If you need support to quit smoking or vaping, you are encouraged to contact a health professional, call Quitline on 137848 (13QUIT), or download the My QuitBuddy App.

Contact for members of the media:

• Email: news@health.gov.au
• Phone: 02 6289 7400