Thousands of vapes seized in major crackdown, with 4000 found in a single day in one state

A shocking number of illegal vapes have been seized in a major crackdown, with nearly 4000 being found in one state in a single day.

More than 4000 vapes have been seized from one state in a single day as part of a major crackdown.

The shock number of vapes were seized in NSW by the Australian Border Force in just a single day, along with about 110,000 illicit tobacco cigarettes.

The illicit items were found during three tobacconist inspections on The Central Coast on August 8, with the stores believed to have links to organised crime.

It comes as part of a major interstate operation where 9,338 disposable vapes, 742,811 cigarettes, 76kg of loose leaf tobacco, and 127kg of shisha were found.

More than 4000 vapes were seized from NSW in a single day in a major crackdown by the Australian Border Force in just a single day, along with about 110,000 illicit tobacco cigarettes. Picture: Australian Border Force.

More than 61,000 cigarette sticks were seized after four warrants were carried out at Gold Coast tobacconists with links to outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG) on August 6.

About 15kg of loose leaf tobacco was also seized on the Gold Coast, while more than 37,000 cigarette sticks, 126kg of shisha tobacco, 27 individual cigars, 2372 disposable vapes, and 2.3kg of loose leaf tobacco were taken during two inspections of tobacco stores in Adelaide’s northern suburbs on August 6.

A search warrant was also executed at a South Australian storage facility on August 7 where 319,800 illicit tobacco cigarettes were seized.

Investigations into the importation of the items remains ongoing.

Interim Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner (ITEC) Erin Dale said vaping requires a “multi-jurisdictional response to tackle it”, with combating profitability from organised crime a key factor.

“During this activity, officers identified illicit tobacco being sold under the counter for discounted prices – not only does this avoid the tax excise, but the purchasing of this product only continues to fund the criminal behaviour of the syndicates importing and supplying it,” he sad.

“So too does the cheap and now prohibited sale of vaping products, with some of the stores having these items on clear display for customers.”

More than 61,000 cigarette sticks were seized on the Gold Coast. Picture: Australian Border Force.

The Gold Coast tobacconists reportedly had links to members of the outlaw motorcycle gangs. Picture: Australian Border Force.

ABF Commander Ken McKern said organised crime groups are “highly adaptive and resilient”, with disrupting the illicit tobacco market a major focus for the ABF.

“Criminal networks see the illicit tobacco market as a low risk, high return commodity – these organised crime groups are highly adaptive and resilient. Following raids, product is often moved, or a new shop can pop up in another location soon after,” he said.

“We will continue to disrupt these syndicate’s business models, and some of the best approaches to doing so is by joining forces with our partner agencies, sharing intelligence, and using all available agency powers and legislation, to dismantle these criminal operations.”

A prescription is currently needed to purchase vapes under new vape controls from the Therapeutic Goods Association, however therapeutic vapes will be available for purchase to those aged 18 and over without a prescription from October in a controversial decision.

The decision angered the Pharmacy Guild, who branded the move as “insulting” and urged the government to change course on the vaping crackdown.

“Everyone wants to keep illegal vapes out of the hands of kids and teenagers, but the Senate wants pharmacists to stock vapes next to children’s Panadol, cold and flu medicine, and emergency contraception,” they said at the time.

More than 37,000 cigarette sticks were taken during two inspections of tobacco stores in Adelaide’s northern suburbs on August 6. Picture: Australian Border Force

About 2372 disposable vapes were also seized from the Adelaide tobacco stores. Picture: Australian Border Force

Health Minister Mark Butler, who had previously said behind-the-counter vape sales would be considered if the prescription-only plan was unsuccessful, previously said the deal had followed constructive engagement with the crossbench.

“Our world-leading laws will return vapes and e-cigarettes to what they were originally sold to the Australian community and to governments around the world as – therapeutic products to help hardened smokers kick the habit,” Mr Butler said.

“These laws protect young Australians and the broader community from the harms of recreational vaping, while ensuring that those who really need access to a therapeutic vape for help to quit smoking, can get one from their local pharmacy.”

This latest crackdown comes nearly a week after the ABF-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce (ITTF) seized suspected nicotine vapes with an estimated street value of more than $5m, as well as cigarettes and tobacco products with an estimated value of $3.8m.

ABF ITTF Commander Penny Spies said the illicit tobacco market is “attractive” for organised crime syndicates “due to the lucrative profits that can be made in evaded tax”.

“These profits fund lavish lifestyles and are channelled back into organised crime,” she said.