Joint enforcement action in the Australian Capital Territory results in significant seizures of illegal tobacco and vaping goods

On 30 July 2026, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Access Canberra - City and Environment Directorate and ACT Policing conducted a coordinated multi-agency enforcement operation targeting the supply of illicit vaping goods and tobacco products.

As part of the coordinated enforcement action, 4 search warrants were simultaneously executed at 2 retail premises in Kippax, a retail premises in Belconnen, and a residence in north Canberra.

The TGA seized more than 1,500 illegal vaping goods. Access Canberra also seized significant quantities of illicit tobacco, including more than 27,800 grams of loose tobacco and more than 156,800 cigarettes.

This joint activity demonstrates the strong partnership between the TGA, Access Canberra and ACT Policing in addressing the unlawful supply of vaping goods and illicit tobacco in the ACT. The operation reinforces the agencies' ongoing commitment to disrupting illicit trade, supporting the objectives of the National Vaping Enforcement Framework and protecting the community.

It is illegal for retailers, including tobacconist and convenience stores, to sell any vaping goods unless they are participating pharmacies. Non-compliance with the vaping provisions in the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 can attract significant penalties, including imprisonment for up to 7 years, or fines of up to $2.55 million per offence for individuals and $25.5 million per offence for corporations.

The TGA encourages anyone with information about the illegal supply of vaping goods to report it via the TGA website at: Report a breach.

If you need support to quit smoking or vaping, speak with a health professional, call Quitline on 13 78 48 (13 QUIT), or download the My QuitBuddy App.

Quotes 

Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Head of the TGA

"This latest operation demonstrates the strength of the TGA's partnerships with regulatory and enforcement agencies across Australia and our continued resolve to identify and disrupt the trade of unlawful vaping goods."

Mr Josh Rynehart, Head of Access Canberra, City and Environment Directorate

"The seizure demonstrates that authorities will continue to take action against these businesses."

"These significant seizures send a clear message that the illegal sale of tobacco, vaping products and other prohibited goods will not be tolerated here in the ACT."

"Access Canberra will continue to work closely with our regulatory and law enforcement partners to identify non-compliant operators, disrupt illegal activity and help protect the Canberra community."

Detective Acting Inspector Mark Battye, ACT Policing

"ACT Policing is pleased to work with partners to disrupt the organised crime groups we know are involved in the illicit tobacco and illegal vapes trade. We’ll continue to use our combined resources to target those profiting from this trade, including seizing the proceeds of their illegal activities."

Contact for members of the media:

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