November 6th, 2024Police locate $8 million of illegal vapes

Victoria Police located approximately 200,000 of illegal nicotine vapes at a warehouse in Box Hill South in recent days.

Officers initially responded to reports of a commercial burglary at a warehouse on Middleborough Road just after 4am Thursday October 24.

Upon arrival, police located over 1000 boxes of illegal vapes with an approximate total value of $8 million.

Following the discovery, police contacted the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), who will take carriage of the investigation given possessing a commercial quantity of illegal vapes is a Commonwealth offence.

The TGA works in close cooperation with state and territory authorities to enforce the vaping laws, with powers to seize alleged unlawful vapes under warrant as necessary.

Local police, with assistance from Taskforce Lunar and VIPER Taskforce detectives, will now provide support to the TGA in seizing the illegal vapes.

No arrests have been made and investigations into the commercial burglary remained ongoing.

Victoria Police continues to support local councils and the Victorian Department of Health who have responsibility for tobacco and vape enforcement and compliance.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au