THE Australian Border Force (ABF) has halted the illegal importation of nearly $12.4 million worth of vaping products smuggled through sea cargo containers over the course of four days last week.
ABF officers confiscated almost 400,000 vapes from three separate shipping containers after anomalies were detected during X-ray scans.
The first container was carrying 37,800 concealed disposable vape products within already declared goods.
Another container was found to be transporting 18 palettes laden with 174,960 disposable vapes.
A third container was intercepted yielding an additional 177,120 disposable vapes.
All three containers originated from Asia, according to ABF.
Acting Commander of Trade (East) Asha Patwardhan emphasised the ABF's commitment to combatting the illicit importation of vaping products, highlighting the role of organised crime syndicates in such operations.
Patwardhan stressed the significant health risks posed by these products, particularly to younger demographics enticed by colourful packaging, and fruity and other flavours.
She emphasised the ABF's proactive enforcement measures to safeguard public health and disrupt criminal enterprises.
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