Man charged, black market vapes seized in police e-cigarette crackdown

A Melbourne shopkeeper is accused of selling vapes to underage children, as police crack down on e-cigarettes after new laws were introduced.

Victoria Police has seized more than 1000 black market vapes and charged a retailer with selling the products to ­underage teens.

It’s believed to be the first time police have charged a ­retailer since new vaping laws came into effect late last year.

Police said they seized 1154 vapes from a Pitt St shop in Eltham on July 6 after authorities received reports of vapes being sold to underage teens.

A 56-year-old man was charged with the illegal sale of vapes to underage buyers, failing to hold an appropriate licence to sell nicotine vapes and unauthorised supply of nicotine vapes. He was ­released on bail to ­appear in Heidelberg Court on October 6.

The vapes, which included various flavours such as ­banana, mint ice and kiwi fruit, are typically sold for $25 each, putting the combined value of the seizure at almost $30,000.

It comes after the Herald Sun revealed last month police had been unable to point to a single fine against ­tobacconists illegally selling vapes, despite a change to the law eight months ago.

In Victoria, it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes – also known as “vapes” – to anyone under 18.

While adults are free to buy and use e-cigarettes, those containing nicotine require a prescription.

Victoria Police is cracking down on vapes. Picture: Mark Cranitch

On October 1 last year, Australian Border Force gained the power to intercept packages of nicotine vapes, pods and liquid nicotine, with e-cigarettes being regarded as a Schedule 4 medicine.

Police are responsible for enforcing laws listing nicotine as a Schedule 4 poison, but council authorised officers can monitor the use, sale and ­advertising of vape products in relation to supply to children.

Selling a nicotine vaping product to someone without a valid prescription attracts an $18,492 fine.

Acting Sergeant Leigh Cuthbertson, of Eltham police, said vaping was mainly a health issue.

“Victoria Police is aware vaping is an emerging issue and has increased in popularity, including among young people,” he said.

“To this end Victoria Police has engaged with schools in some areas to help inform parents and staff.

“This enforcement action complements this work.”

QUIT Victoria director Sarah White said she applauded police for their efforts, but added Victoria urgently needed a retail licensing scheme, which would identify retailers selling tobacco and ­e-cigarettes and allow authorities apart from police to track rogue operators.