A change in NSW legislation could see illegal vape suppliers hit with a $1 million fine, up from a $1650 fine.
The legislation tabled in parliament today means suppliers convicted of selling illegal vapes could be hit with a $1.54 million fine or a prison sentence of up to seven years.
The current fine is almost a tenth of that, at $1650.
“The prevalence of illegal vaping devices in our community, and in particular among our young people, is deeply concerning,” Health Minister Ryan Park said.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stem the tide of this public health challenge.”
“I am very encouraged by the progress we are making in terms of removing these harmful devices from our streets.
“And I am pleased to announce that we are augmenting our efforts by introducing harsher penalties to target suppliers.”
It comes as the NSW Government has seized over 300,000 vapes and vape products in the last 12 months.
Additional offences will also be added to the legislation, including being in possession of a commercial quantity of vapes and possession of vaping products for retailers.
From July 1 to September 30 this year, 42,000 vape products were seized across 362 inspections.
In the same period last year, 153,000 products were seized across 290 inspections.
The lower number of products seized could be due to the disruptions in supply to the market, the state government said.
Extracted in full from: https://www.9news.com.au/national/vape-suppliers-could-cop-15-million-fine-or-seven-years-jail-government-says/3e1c92eb-2cee-4fb7-8ca6-624d1e8cd06d
