Media Release

Northern Territory Government

NT Health

Hundreds of illegal vapes seized across Greater Darwin

18 October 2024

A joint operation between NT Health, the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) and NT Police has led to the seizure of 1,700 illegal vapes from three business in Darwin and Palmerston.

The operation was successful in its mission to detect and disrupt the illegal supply of vapes in Greater Darwin and Katherine.

As part of the operation 60 business were investigated, with eight businesses identified as illegal vape sellers through covert purchases and three major suppliers raided and searched by officers from NT Health’s Medicines and Poisons Unit in simultaneous raids conducted in Darwin and Palmerston last week.

The other five businesses identified as illegally selling vapes are expected to be fined.

During the raids officers seized 1,700 vapes, along with price lists and advertisements for vapes.

The seizures have significantly impacted the availability of illegal vapes in the Greater Darwin region.

NT Health will continue to engage with Commonwealth law enforcement agencies and NT Police on further enforcement activities, including providing intelligence on illegal activities in relation to vape sales in the Northern Territory (NT).

Last year, Commonwealth laws were amended to strengthen offenses and penalties for the possession and supply of vapes that occur outside of the approved prescription-pharmacy model.

Nicotine is a Scheduled Substance under the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act, meaning that possession and supply is only permitted through pharmacy settings.

It is illegal to sell and purchase nicotine vaping products in the NT in retail settings, including those holding a tobacco license.

Vaping can increase the risk of lung infections and heart disease, including worsening obstructive lung diseases, increasing the odds of being diagnosed with asthma, and negatively impacting respiratory function.

For more information about vaping and health risks, visit: [https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/healthy-living/vaping]

Quotes attributable to Sam Keitaanpaa, Chief Pharmacist, NT Health:

“NT Health will continue to work with the Therapeutic Goods Administration to identify businesses that sell illegal vapes in the Northern Territory.

“Businesses that sell illegal vapes face significant financial penalties when caught by authorities.

“People purchasing illegal vapes are providing income to organised crime groups that import these goods into Australia.

“Vapes contain potentially harmful chemicals that are not listed on the ingredients label."

Vision and images are available on request, please contact NT Health on:

[media.health@nt.gov.au]

0436 641 108

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