Authorities seize thousands of illegal nicotine e-cigarettes across the Central Coast

A massive blitz has seen thousands of illegal vaping devices seized across the coast as health authorities issue a fresh warning to retails selling nicotine e-cigarettes.

A major blitz on illegal vaping devices has been carried out across the Central Coast.

Authorities have seized more than 5300 nicotine electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) from

retailers across the region.

Officers from NSW Health’s Tobacco Control Unit inspected four service stations and one convenience store resulting in more than $130,000 worth of illegal vaping devices being seized and destroyed.

The sale of e-cigarettes containing nicotine is illegal in NSW, while it is illegal to sell any

type of e-cigarette to children under 18 years of age regardless of whether or not it contains nicotine.

A blitz has been carried out on illegal vaping devices across the coast. Picture: Eva Hambach

The sale of any type of e-cigarette to teens is illegal.

Compliance officers were responding to growing concerns about the supply of the nicotine e-cigarettes from tobacconists, convenience stores and petrol stations on the coast.

Central Coast Local Health District is warning anyone selling nicotine e-cigarettes that they face fines of up to $1100 per offence or even prosecution.

“We are concerned about the sale of these products locally, in particular to young people

under the age of 18,” Health promotion and population health improvement director Niki

Kajons said.

“Despite their appealing flavours, most e-cigarettes contain chemicals and toxins that are not only harmful, but also highly addictive.

A price list for illegal vaping products from a tobacconist.

“It is important that local retailers are aware of their legal obligations that are in place to help

protect the health and wellbeing of people on the Central Coast, otherwise they will face

penalties.”

NSW Health has seen an increase in the number of new e-cigarette products that contain nicotine being sold and has increased the number of inspectors with powers to seize the illegal vaping devices.

NSW Health and Central Coast Local Health District have written to retailers in NSW

reminding them of their obligations under the law.

Members of the public can report possible breaches of tobacco and e-cigarette retailing laws

by completing an online reporting form or call the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.