Crackdown on illegal vapes

SYDNEY: More than $A1 million ($NZ1.1 million) worth of illegal ecigarettes and liquids containing nicotine have been seized in New South Wales this year.

NSW Health has seized more than $3 million of the banned products since July 2020.

Chief health officer Kerry Chant said retailers were being put on notice.

‘‘We are cracking down on the illegal sale of nicotine ecigarettes and liquids and taking a zerotolerance approach to those who sell them,’’ she said.

‘‘You will be caught, illegal items will be seized, and you could face prosecution, resulting in being fined or even jailed. People think they are simply flavoured water but in reality, in many cases they are ingesting poisonous chemicals that can cause life threatening injuries.’’

The curb on illegal nicotine sales extends to online shops with a maximum penalty $A1650 per offence and/or sixmonths in prison. Selling to minors attracts hefty fines of up $A55,000.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation said about 14% of 12 to 17yearolds had tried vaping, and 12% had bought the vapes themselves. — AAP