According to a report by ABC News on July 15th, an anti-smoking advocate stated that authorities have seized tens of thousands of dollars worth of illegal tobacco and e-cigarette products across various locations in Western Australia. They emphasized the need for additional measures to combat the black market trade in the state.
Last week, the police seized thousands of cigarettes and e-cigarettes in raids in Banbury, Mangemup and Geraldton.
An organized crime group seized over 200,000 cigarettes, 16,000 e-cigarettes, 162 kilograms of illegal tobacco, and $55,950 in cash during a raid operation. Among the confiscated e-cigarette products were those of the brand IGET.
The police stated that the investigation into the seized items is still ongoing. Libby Jardine, Manager of "Make Smoking History" in Western Australia, told ABC that it is a positive step to see the government cracking down on illegal operators, but more work still needs to be done.
Due to comprehensive measures such as plain packaging, smoke-free zones, and increasing tobacco prices, the smoking rate in Western Australia continues to decline. However, more work is needed to discover and prosecute those selling illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes.
A series of new e-cigarette regulations will come into effect across all of Australia from July 1st.
From now until September, individuals who wish to purchase e-cigarettes for medical treatment purposes can only do so with a prescription.
Starting from October 1st, individuals over the age of 18 will be able to purchase e-cigarettes containing nicotine directly from pharmacies without a prescription. Those under the age of 18 will still require a prescription.
Jiading stated that the bill will play a crucial role in ensuring that e-cigarettes are not easily accessible.
It conveys to young people the message that e-cigarettes should only be used for therapeutic purposes in specific situations, and should not be considered socially acceptable behavior.
Therefore, strong enforcement action will be intensified to issue warnings to e-cigarette and illegal tobacco retailers.
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