TGA seizes 40,000 vapes in Qld

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has seized over 40,000 vaping products, with an estimated street value of over $1.2 million, in Brisbane.

The move was part of a major crime investigation into money laundering, illicit tobacco and nicotine vaping products involving the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission, Queensland Police, Queensland Health, Australian Border Force and the Australian Taxation Office.

The TGA executed multiple warrants on storage units and residences as part of its ongoing investigations into alleged importation of unapproved nicotine vaping products.

The seized products — alleged to be prescription medicines that were not included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) —  will be tested in the TGA laboratories for scheduled and other dangerous ingredients, the TGA said in a statement. Nicotine vaping products that are not imported or supplied under a TGA-approved pathway pose a significant public health risk, with many tested by the TGA laboratories found to contain dangerous and undeclared chemicals.

Ongoing investigation by the TGA and partner agencies may lead to an enforcement action, including the issuing of infringement notices or the commencement of court proceedings. Penalties for illegal importation or supply of unapproved therapeutic goods are up to five years’ imprisonment and/or up to $1.25 million.

The TGA is also reminding consumers that nicotine vaping products are a prescription-only medicine. Appropriate treatment options involving prescription medicines should only be determined between a doctor and their patient in consultation.

Image caption: iStockphoto.com/ThomasVogel