A coordinated sting has netted Tasmanian authorities their second major haul of black-market tobacco and thousands of vapes this year.
The Department of Health’s tobacco enforcement team, working with Tasmania Police, recently intercepted a shipment containing 510 kilograms of ‘chop-chop’ loose-leaf tobacco and 5,840 illegal vapes.
Department of Health Secretary Dale Webster said the bust had an estimated street value of $860,000.
“Working in partnership with other agencies, we are committed to detecting, deterring and disrupting the illegal trade of tobacco and vaping products across Tasmania”, he said.
This latest seizure brings the total value of confiscated goods this year to more than $4 million, following an earlier bust that netted $1.5 million worth of contraband.
That haul included more than 23,000 packets of cigarettes, nearly 5,000 vapes and 112 kilograms of loose tobacco.
“Smoking rates in Tasmania continue to be higher than rates in other parts of Australia and interrupting this illicit trade is important in helping Tasmania kick the habit,” Webster said.
“If you are aware of illicit tobacco or vape import or sale, please contact us or Tasmania Police. It is important for the health of the state.”
Selling e-cigarettes, e-liquid or vaping devices to anyone under 18 is against the law in Tasmania.
Adults can only access legal vapes through a pharmacy with a prescription from their doctor.
