$8 million of illicit vapes located in collaboration between TGA and Victoria Police

In a significant move against the illicit vaping market, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has played a vital role in joint enforcement activity with Victoria Police, resulting in the seizure of 200,000 vapes, worth more than $8 million, from a warehouse in Box Hill South Victoria on 24 October 2024. 

This latest operation, which involved officers from the TGA, Victoria Police and the Victorian Department of Health, supports the Australian Government’s reforms to vaping goods under the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Act 2024. The Act restricts the sale of vapes to Australian pharmacies, prohibiting their sale in retail outlets like tobacconists and convenience stores and introduces strict penalties for non-compliance with the law.

Since the introduction of the reforms on 1 July 2024, TGA enforcement officers have worked collaboratively with state and territory authorities across the country, conducting several joint enforcement operations.

This operation in Victoria complements ongoing border and domestic enforcement efforts led by the Australian Border Force and TGA. Since 1 January 2024, these initiatives have resulted in the seizure and surrender of over 6.5 million vaping products valued at more than $195.5 million, with additional operations planned across the country. 

To report suspected breaches to the TGA, please visit our Report a breach page.

For further details about the regulatory requirements for vaping products, please refer to the TGA's vaping hub.

Contact for members of the media:

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