Australia Seizes Record-Breaking 30k Vapes Valued at 10 Millions AUD

Recently, the Western Australia Department of Health confiscated 300,000 e-cigarettes, with a combined weight of 15 tons, from a warehouse in the northeastern part of Perth. The estimated value of the seized e-cigarettes is AU$10 million. Additionally, over 10 tons of e-liquid cartridges were also seized. This incident is reported to be the largest single seizure of e-cigarettes in both the history of the state and the entire country.

Authorities have reported that more than 300,000 e-cigarettes were discovered during the operation. According to a statement by Western Australia Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, this sudden action was carried out following a tip-off.

Data from June indicated that the Western Australia Health Department had only initiated one prosecution against a retailer involved in the illegal sale of nicotine e-cigarettes in the past 12 months. Subsequently, the e-cigarette regulatory system of the Western Australia government has faced criticism and scrutiny.

As per the 2014 Medicines and Poisons Act, the maximum penalty for selling nicotine e-cigarettes in Western Australia includes a personal fine of $45,000 and a three-year prison sentence, while companies could face fines of up to $225,000.

In the 12 months leading up to June, Western Australia confiscated 43,000 illegal e-cigarettes and issued numerous warnings. In May, the Health Department acknowledged that no fines had been imposed for the illegal possession of e-cigarettes. These device kits have been widely sold in stores and through underground online delivery services in Perth. The sale of e-cigarettes without a prescription from a pharmacist is considered illegal.