Sunshine Coast tobacconist fined $37,560 in illegal vape crackdown

A Sunshine Coast tobacconist has been slapped with a huge fine for illegal selling vapes as part of a crackdown which confiscated almost 5000 vapes.

A Sunshine Coast business has been fined over illegally selling vapes. Photo: iStock

A Sunshine Coast tobacconist has been slapped with a massive fine after investigations revealed almost five thousand illegal vapes across multiple businesses.

The tobacconist was fined $37,560 after they were issued infringement notices by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for alleged possession of a commercial quantity of vaping goods.

The discoveries came about after the TGA, alongside Queensland Health and Queensland Police, searched multiple businesses on September 18 and 19 as part of a joint operation.

During this operation, more than 4,900 vapes, almost 300 tins of nicotine pouches and tobacco was seized.

Retailers such as tobacconists and convenience stores are forbidden to sell vapes, with only Australian pharmacies permitted to provide such a product as per the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Act 2024.

Enforcement officers have visited stores across Australia since July this year to educate and warn retailers about unlawful supply, commercial possession and advertising of vaping good.

Search warrants have been executed if any non-compliance was suspected.

The latest operation highlights the commitment by TGA and Queensland Health to ensuring compliance with the act, a TGA statement wrote.

Head of the TGA and Chief Medical Office professor Anthony Lawler, warned significant penalties were in store for those who illegal sell vapes.

“The TGA will continue to work with state and territory authorities to remove illicit vapes from the market and will take action against those people and businesses contravening the new laws,” he said.

Anyone with information about vapes being illegally sold is urged to report to the TGA.