A joint operation between NT Health, the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) and NT Police has led to the seizure of 1,700 illegal vapes from three business in Darwin and Palmerston.
The operation was successful in its mission to detect and disrupt the illegal supply of vapes in Greater Darwin and Katherine.
As part of the operation 60 business were investigated, with eight businesses identified as illegal vape sellers through covert purchases and three major suppliers raided and searched by officers from NT Health’s Medicines and Poisons Unit in simultaneous raids conducted in Darwin and Palmerston last week.
The other five businesses identified as illegally selling vapes are expected to be fined.
During the raids officers seized 1,700 vapes, along with price lists and advertisements for vapes.
The seizures have significantly impacted the availability of illegal vapes in the Greater Darwin region.
It is estimated the TGA could issue fines worth a total of $200,000 to the eight businesses found to be illegally selling vapes.
NT Health will continue to engage with Commonwealth law enforcement agencies and NT Police on further enforcement activities, including providing intelligence on illegal activities in relation to vape sales in the Northern Territory (NT).
Last year, Commonwealth laws were amended to strengthen offenses and penalties for the possession and supply of vapes that occur outside of the approved prescription-pharmacy model.
Nicotine is a Scheduled Substance under the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act, meaning that possession and supply is only permitted through pharmacy settings.
It is illegal to sell and purchase nicotine vaping products in the NT in retail settings, including those holding a tobacco license.
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.
