More than 3000 nicotine vapes seized from TSG Tobacco Station in Windsor

A Windsor tobacconist has had thousands of nicotine vapes seized by police after selling the black market products to minors.

Police officers raided TSG Tobacco Station in Windsor and seized more than 3000 nicotine vapes. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Victoria Police has seized more than 3000 nicotine vapes from a Chapel St tobacconist after the owners were caught selling the black market goods to young teens without identification.

Prahran officers seized more than 3100 nicotine vapes from TSG Tobacco Station in Windsor about 10am on Monday.

It comes after the Herald Sun revealed in June that a mother was left angered after her 14-year-old daughter was able to purchase a strawberry flavoured vape from the shop.

The nicotine vapes the teen purchased were IGET bars, which range from $15 to $50.

Illegal IGET vapes containing nicotine were being sold to minors in Windsor. Picture: Supplied

The teen’s bank statement also showed a transaction on Tuesday, June 13 for the vape that cost $30, with the entity name belonging to the Windsor tobacconist.

A man and woman, both aged in their 50s, were interviewed in relation to the matter and released pending further inquiries.

Prahran Police Senior Sergeant Amy Perrin said vaping was predominantly a health issue.

“Victoria Police aims to address all forms of offending but prioritises the allocation of its resources toward preventing and responding to crime causing the most harm,” Senior Sergeant Perrin said.

“Victoria Police does conduct enforcement activities against businesses illegally selling nicotine vapes, often in collaboration with authorised officers from local councils.

“However, we have a broader focus on education and prevention.

“This has included engaging with schools to help inform parents and staff.”

The mother, who had raised concerns about vapes being sold to minors in June, said she applauded police for their efforts.

“Spread the word and stop the rest of them,” she said.

“Great job Prahran police.”

Police last year seized more than 1000 black market vapes and charged another retailer with selling the products to ­underage teens.

It was believed to be the first time police have charged a ­retailer since new vaping laws came into effect in 2021.

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.

Recent data from Cancer Council Victoria’s Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer shows fewer than 1 per cent of 14-17-year-olds reported vaping in 2018. In 2022, that figure sat at 11.8 per cent and 14.5 per cent in early 2023.