Bundaberg tobacconist raided by TGA
A Bundaberg tobacconist has been raided by Therapeutic Goods Administration officers as part of the ongoing crackdowns across Queensland on illegal vapes.
Bundaberg
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A tobacconist in Heidke Street, Bundaberg, was raided on Wednesday by officers from the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The raid was part of the TGA’s latest crackdown on tobacconists and convenience stores as new legislation reaches its first year mark.
The Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment Act, introduced on July 1, 2024, prohibits sales and advertising of all vapes in unauthorised retail locations.
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 TGA is the Australian government authority responsible for evaluating, assessing and monitoring products that are defined as therapeutic goods. It regulates medicines, medical devices and biologicals “to help Australians stay healthy and safe”.
It is far from the first raid carried out by the TGA in Bundaberg.
In August 2024, more than 350 vapes were seized from a Bundaberg store in a joint operation with Queensland Health.
The retailer was fined $18,780 for possessing a commercial quantity of vaping goods.
In December 2024, a Sunshine Coast tobacconist was fined $37,560 after the TGA issued it with infringement notices for the alleged unlawful possession of a commercial quantity of vaping goods.
The vaping goods were located when the TGA executed search warrants across multiple businesses on September 18-19 on the coast, as part of a joint operation with Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Service.
More than 4900 vapes and almost 300 tins of nicotine pouches, in addition to tobacco, were seized during that two-day operation.
The TGA has been asked for comment.
More to come.
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