$8m worth of illegal vapes found in Box Hill South warehouse

Police have busted a massive illegal nicotine vape haul worth about $8m after responding to reports of a burglary at a warehouse in Melbourne’s east.

An $8m stash of illegal vapes has been uncovered and seized with the help of a burglar attempting to ransack a warehouse in Box Hill South.

Police were intitally called to the huge Middleborough Rd warehouse as they were notified of an alleged burglary at the premises just after 4am on Thursday.

Responding police then located more than 1000 boxes filled with 200,000 illegal vapes which they have estimated to value a total of $8m.

Dozens of boxes, in clear plastic wrap, were shifted on a forklift into vans were they were seized by the Theraputic Goods Administration.

Police seize illegal vapes in Box Hill. Picture: Victoria Police

Some of the boxes had “apple grape ice” and “40 iGet” scribbled on them with a marker, referring to the flavour, brand and quantity while others were stored in boxes from Bunnings.

Detectives are yet to make any arrests and investigations into the initial burglary are ongoing.

Local police and members from the Lunar and VIPER taskforces will continue working with the TGA to seize the remainder of the stock.

Some of the illegal vapes seized in Box Hill South. Picture: Victoria Police

Vapes are now available for adults to purchase at pharmacies with photo ID in a controversial plan executed by federal Health Minister Mark Butler.

And while they are now the only legal place to sell the product, it is widely tipped the 1300-plus tobacconists across the state will continue to stock vapes until they are forced out.

Some major pharmacy chains have already refused to stock and sell the goods sparking fears that the black market trade will continue to flourish.

One of Melbourne’s biggest alleged tobacco and vape syndicates was this week stung by police in a series of raids and arrests across the state.

The alleged ringleader, Nazir Haddara, 25, and his cousin Hassan Jassem, 21, were arrested in the $30m coup.

But the pair was released on bail under strict conditions after huge sureties were tabled for the duo.

Originally published as $8m worth of illegal vapes found in Box Hill South warehouse