More than 13 tonnes of disposable vapes have been seized in the first large-scale bust in Australia since import bans began. The Federal Government plans to introduce even stricter laws - as it extends its clampdown on vaping.
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00:00 Countless flavours and colours. 150,000 vapes intercepted by Federal Police destined for
00:08 Australian streets.
00:10 These vapes have an estimated street value of $4.5 million.
00:14 Border Force officers became suspicious when 14 air cargo consignments arrived in Adelaide
00:20 originally from China.
00:22 The seizure comes as strict new laws prohibit the importation of disposable vapes, with
00:26 only two vapes allowed per traveller into the country.
00:30 Investigations are still continuing but we don't think South Australia was the sole
00:33 intended location for these vapes.
00:36 A quarter of a million vapes have been intercepted by police nationwide this year.
00:41 The government says there's a dark underworld behind illegal vapes.
00:45 Funding the criminal activities of organised crime gangs, drug trafficking, sex trafficking
00:49 and the like.
00:50 So I just appeal to businesses and other commercial entities that have become involved in this
00:55 market, find another way to make money.
00:57 Experts say that the black market of vape distribution has always existed.
01:01 But recent law changes have helped officials curb the industry.
01:06 A loophole in the law has been changed and now the law can be enforced.
01:10 So we're seeing these seizures and we'll see more of these seizures but it's a good sign.
01:15 Border Force officers say no arrests have been made but investigations into who imported
01:20 these vapes from China are ongoing.
01:23 Further nationwide reforms at the start of March will include a ban on importing refillable
01:28 non-therapeutic vapes as well as the personal importation of therapeutic vapes.
01:33 And the federal government will introduce legislation to parliament to stop the sale
01:37 and supply of non-prescription vapes.
01:40 We have one of the lowest rates of cigarette smoking in the world but we're going to see
01:45 all of that progress lost if we let this emerging market targeted at essentially defeating those
01:51 efforts recruiting a new generation to nicotine addiction.
01:55 The seizure is a small win against a public health crisis.
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