Vape sting hits Inverloch as tobacco crackdown begins
A TGA raid in Inverloch seized illicit vapes and tobacco, coinciding with Victoria's new tobacco retail licensing scheme.Summary
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) raided a pop-up store in Inverloch, Victoria, in a joint operation with Victoria Police, seizing illicit vapes and tobacco due to alleged sales to minors. The TGA spokesperson stated that such behavior is unacceptable and will result in enforcement action, with investigations ongoing. This raid is part of a broader crackdown on illicit tobacco and vaping, highlighted by Victoria’s new tobacco retail licensing scheme, which requires businesses to obtain a license or face substantial fines and potential jail time. However, the new scheme has also led to the closure of legitimate retailers, such as TSG Wonthaggi, due to increased fees. The TGA has conducted similar operations across regional Victoria, including a seizure of over $1 million worth of illicit vaping goods in Bendigo. Currently, vaping products can only be legally sold through Australian pharmacies to adults for smoking cessation, adhering to TGA standards, and it is illegal for other retailers to sell vapes. Cancer Council Victoria supports the new licensing scheme, emphasizing the high death toll from smoking-related illnesses.
(Source：South Gippsland Sentinel Times)
