Authorities have announced the nation's largest ever seizure of vapes, confiscating more than $15m worth of illicit product. The Federal Government is cracking down amid growing health warnings about the implications of vaping.

Melbourne

Authorities in Australia have executed the country's largest seizure operation against illegal vapes, confiscating over $15 million worth of the illicit products. The Federal Government's escalating efforts to combat the public health risks associated with vaping have led to this significant crackdown. In a joint operation by Victoria Police and the Therapeutic Goods Administration, officials have confiscated half a million vapes from a warehouse located in Melbourne West, resulting in the arrest of six men.

This operation marks a milestone in the enforcement of new laws that banned the importation of vapes beginning in January, with the seized haul valued at more than $15 million. The Australian Border Force has also been active since the start of the year, having seized over 600,000 vaping products as part of the government's intensified efforts to address the issue. This crackdown is in response to the growing concern over the addiction to nicotine among younger populations, which schools across Australia have identified as the leading behavioral challenge they face.

Health officials have expressed concerns over the immediate and short-term health effects of vaping, particularly its impact on developing brains, hearts, and lungs. The increase in the number of people seeking help for vaping-related issues has doubled in Victoria compared to the previous year. In light of these concerns, further reforms are being considered by the Federal Parliament. The proposed legislation aims to completely prohibit the sale, supply, and commercial possession of vapes, empowering states to take stricter actions against tobacco stores selling these products.

The proposed penalties for violating the new laws are stringent, including imprisonment for up to seven years and fines of up to $2.2 million for the sale, supply, and importation of vapes. The enactment of these new laws is scheduled for July 1, subject to the approval of the bill in parliament. This legislative move underscores the government's serious commitment to eradicating the public health problem posed by illegal vaping products.



Police seize $15m of illegal vapes in warehouse

Taking the puff out of the illegal vape trade. We are serious about stamping out this public health menace. Victoria Police and the Therapeutic Goods Administration seized half a million vapes from a Melbourne West warehouse and arrested six men. With a street value of more than $15 million, it's the largest sting since the importation of vapes became illegal in January. Since the commencement of this year, the Australian Border Force has seized well over 600,000 vaping products. The crackdown comes after an alarming rise in younger people becoming addicted to nicotine. Schools tell us right across Australia that vaping is now the number one behavioural issue that they have to deal with. We know that there are immediate and short term health effects in terms of the impact on growing brains, the impact on hearts and lungs. Victoria says the number of people calling for help has doubled since this time last year. The next round of reforms are before Federal Parliament, with a proposal to outlaw the sale, supply and commercial possession of vapes, giving states the power to crack down on tobacco stores that sell them. The penalties that are contained in the bill are serious. They involve imprisonment up to seven years for the sale and supply and importation of these vapes and fines of up to $2.2 million. If the bill passes, the new laws will be introduced on July 1. Brendan Crewe, for 10 News First.

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