ENFORCEMENT efforts to tackle the illegal sale of vapes are intensifying across Australia, with a recent crackdown in the Northern Territory resulting in the seizure of approximately 1,700 illegal vapes.
Five retail businesses were fined a total of more than $93,000 for violations.
The operation, part of a joint enforcement initiative between the TGA, NT Health, and NT Police, investigated around 60 businesses in areas in Darwin and Katherine.
This effort is part of ongoing enforcement of the Australian Government's vape reforms under the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Act 2024, which restricts the sale of vapes to pharmacies only.
Since Jul 2024, authorities have been conducting inspections nationwide to educate and warn retailers about the unlawful advertising and sale of vaping and related products.
This domestic action complements the work of the Australian Border Force, which has seized over 5.8 million vaping products worth more than $174.6 million since Jan 2024.
Last week, the TGA also worked with the Victorian Police to arrest eight people for their role in an organised crime syndicate in the illicit tobacco market.
During the operation, Victoria Police issued 27 search warrants and seized 600,000 tobacco sticks, tobacco products and vapes to combat the illegal trade of these goods.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 29 Oct 24
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