NT Health, police seize hundreds of illegal vapes from Darwin businesses
Thousands of illegal vapes have been taken off the shelves following raids on three Top End businesses. Check out the footage of the raids.
Police & Courts
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A joint raid operation targetting three Northern Territory businesses has led to the seizure of about 1700 illegal vapes
More than 60 businesses were investigated as part of the operation, with eight identified as illegal vape sellers through covert purchases.
Three major suppliers were raided and searched by officers from NT Health’s Medicines and Poisons Unit in simultaneous raids conducted by NT Health, the Therapeutics Goods Administration and NT Police.
The other five businesses identified as illegally selling vapes are expected to be fined.
Officers seized 1700 vapes during the raids, along with price lists and advertisements for the illegal vapes from two Darwin stores as well as one in Palmerston.
The seizures have significantly impacted the availability of illegal vapes in the Greater Darwin region.
The TGA estimates it could issue fines worth a total of $200,000 to the eight businesses found to be illegally selling vapes.
NT Health said it would continue to work with commonwealth law enforcement agencies and NT Police on further enforcement activities, including providing intelligence on illegal activities in relation to vape sales.
Commonwealth laws were amended to strengthen offences and penalties for the possession and supply of vapes that occurred outside of the approved prescription-pharmacy model last year.
It is illegal to sell and purchase nicotine vaping products in the NT in retail settings, including those holding a tobacco licence.
Vaping can increase the risk of lung infections and heart disease, including worsening obstructive lung diseases, increasing the odds of being diagnosed with asthma, and negatively impacting respiratory function.
NT Health chief pharmacist Sam Keitaanpaa said they would continue to work to identify businesses that sold illegal vapes across the Northern Territory.
“Businesses that sell illegal vapes face significant financial penalties when caught by authorities,” Mr Keitaanpaa said.
“People purchasing illegal vapes are providing income to organised crime groups that import these goods into Australia.
“Vapes contain potentially harmful chemicals that are not listed on the ingredients label.”
For more information about vaping and health risks head to nt.gov.au/wellbeing/healthy-living/vaping
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