Illicit tobacco and vaping products valued at around $1.5 million have been seized in a recent joint operation led by the Department of Health.
Roger Jaensch, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said the operation was a result of coordinated efforts between various agencies aimed at curbing the supply of illegal tobacco and vaping products.
“The seizure was a collaborative inter-agency effort that demonstrated the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to taking strong action to prevent the harms of smoking and vaping.”
The seizure, which included over 23,000 packets of cigarettes, nearly 5,000 vapes, and 112 kg of loose tobacco, is seen as a significant step in tackling the issue, according to Jaensch.
“At an estimated retail value of $1.5 million, this is a significant seizure for Tasmania.”
This effort is part of the state’s broader approach to reduce smoking and vaping, highlighted by the recent passage of the Public Health Amendment (Vaping) Bill 2024. The Bill aims to protect the community, particularly youth, from the health risks of smoking and vaping.
“We are working proactively to enforce legislation regulating the legal sale and supply of tobacco and vaping products and interrupt the supply of illicit smoking products,” Jaensch said.
The Tasmanian Government is also employing 6.7 full-time equivalent compliance officers to focus on illegal tobacco.
All seized products are destroyed, with reports sent to the Australian Border Force and Therapeutic Goods Administration for further action. Information is also shared with Biosecurity Tasmania, the Australian Border Force, and Australia Post to prevent the entry of illicit goods into the state.
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