TGA leads crackdown of illegal nicotine products across Darwin

Published

16 July 2026

On 9 July 2026, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), in partnership with NT Health, Northern Territory Police Force and the Northern Territory Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations (DTBAR), conducted a targeted multi-agency enforcement operation across three premises in Darwin.

Following the execution of multiple search warrants, the TGA seized more than 6,000 illegal vaping goods and more than 17,900 nicotine pouches from a retail premises and two associated storage units. NT Health and DTBAR officers seized more than 350,000 illicit cigarettes and over 280 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco. Combined, the operation resulted in the seizure of almost $750,000 worth of illegal nicotine products, including vaping goods, nicotine pouches, tobacco products and cigarettes.

This operation sends a clear message that the illegal sale of nicotine products will not be tolerated. Government agencies at all levels are working together to identify, disrupt and dismantle illegal supply networks wherever they operate. Since the introduction of the vaping reforms in January 2024, over 23.8 million illegal vaping goods, worth an estimated $1 billion in street value, have been seized by the TGA and Australian Border Force (ABF).

Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Head of the TGA, said "The TGA and its enforcement partners remain committed to identifying, targeting and dismantling illicit supply chains across Australia, and will continue to take coordinated action against the unlawful sale of nicotine products to protect Australians."

Chief Pharmacist Sam Keitaanpaa of NT Health said, "Unregulated vapes and other nicotine products are not assessed for safety or quality in Australia, which means they can contain any number of unknown chemicals and people cannot expect a predictable dose of nicotine. Ultra-high doses of nicotine can cause heart attacks, cancer and worsen mental health - even in otherwise healthy people."

Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley, Northern Territory Police Force, said the seizure highlights the importance of agencies working together to disrupt the illegal trade of nicotine products in the Territory. "Operations like this demonstrate the strength of a coordinated, multi-agency response in targeting those who seek to profit from the unlawful sale and distribution of prohibited products. The Northern Territory Police Force will continue to work closely with our government partners to identify illegal supply networks and hold offenders to account."

It is illegal for any retailer other than participating pharmacies to sell any kind of vape, including tobacconist and convenience stores. 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 for individuals or $25.5 million for corporations per offence.

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.

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