Bundaberg retailer raided amid crackdown on illicit vapes

A raid on a Bundaberg retailer has resulted in the seizure of 350 vapes, and hefty five-figure fine for the business.

A raid on a Bundaberg retailer has resulted in the seizure of 350 vapes, and hefty five-figure fine for the business.

A Bundaberg tobacco shop has been hit with an $18,780 fine after being caught unlawfully trying to sell hundreds of vapes.

The raid, carried out by Therapeutic Goods Administration officers on August 1, 2024, resulted in the seizure of 350 illegal vapes and a $18,780 fine to the retailer, the TGA said in a statement Monday.

The raid was a joint enforcement operation between the TGA and Queensland Health.

The raid was part of the TGA’s latest crackdown on tobacconists and convenience stores across the region as new legislation reaches its four-month mark.

The Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment Acts, introduced on July 1, 2024, prohibits sales and advertising of all vapes in unauthorised retail locations.

Items seized in the latest raid against a local retailer in Bundaberg on August 1, 2024.

As of January 2, 6.5 million vaping goods with a combined value of $195.5 million dollars have been suspended by the Australian Border Force and TGA authorities around the country.

This includes but is not limited to convenience stores, tobacco and vape shops.

Professor Anthony Lawler, Head of the TGA and Chief Medical Officer said the TGA continued to work with state and territory partners to remove illicit vaping goods from the market and would take action against those entities found to not be complying, including retailers.

The raid, carried out by Therapeutic Goods Administration officers on August 1, 2024 as part of a wider operation across three Bundaberg retailers on the day, resulted in the seizure of 350 illegal vapes and a $18,780 fine to the retailer, the TGA said in a statement Monday.

In Queensland, prescriptions for therapeutic vapes issued by a medical professional, remains the only legal pathway to accessing vapes in the state.

Pharmacists are authorised to sell therapeutic vape products to individuals aged 18 years and older, and in possession of a certifiable prescription.

Retailers found in breach of these laws risk punishments of up to seven years in prison or fines of 5000 penalty units, which equates to $1.565 million for individuals and $7.825 million for companies.

The statement said retailers that failed to surrender all vape products by September 1, 2024, have been warned enforcement actions may be taken.

Items seized in the latest raid against a local retailer in Bundaberg on August 1, 2024.