TGA Seizes Illegal Vapes Sold to Young People

TGA Australia Media Releases

Filed January 28th, 2026

Detected March 12th, 2026

Summary

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia, with police support, seized illegal vaping products from a store in Inverloch, Victoria, allegedly sold to minors. The TGA is investigating further regulatory action and warns retailers against targeting young people with illicit vapes.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia, in conjunction with Victoria Police, executed a search warrant on January 23, 2026, at a retail store in Inverloch, Victoria. During this enforcement action, TGA officers seized a variety of unlawful vaping products, stemming from allegations that the store was selling illicit vapes to minors and supplying illicit tobacco. Investigations are ongoing, and the TGA has indicated that further regulatory action will be considered.

This operation serves as a strong warning to retailers who target young people with illegal vaping products. The TGA emphasizes that vaping products can only be lawfully supplied through Australian pharmacies to individuals aged 18 and over for smoking cessation or nicotine dependence management, provided the products meet TGA standards. Selling vapes through other retailers, such as tobacconists or convenience stores, is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including up to 7 years imprisonment and fines of up to $2.31 million for individuals and $23.1 million for corporations per offense. The TGA prioritizes disrupting the illicit supply of vapes, particularly when young people are targeted.

What to do next

Review current inventory and sales practices for vaping products to ensure compliance with Australian regulations.
Verify that any supplied vaping products are sourced exclusively through Australian pharmacies and intended for approved purposes.
Report any suspected illicit sales of vaping products to the TGA.

Penalties

Imprisonment for up to 7 years and fines of up to $2.31 million for individuals and $23.1 million for corporations per offence.

Source document (simplified)

TGA seizes illegal vapes in Inverloch Victoria following alleged sales to young people

Published

28 January 2026

Listen
Print
Share
- LinkedIn
- (Twitter)
- Facebook
- Email On 23 January 2026 the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), with support from Victoria Police, executed a search warrant at a pop‑up retail store in Inverloch, Victoria.

It is alleged that the Inverloch premises was selling illicit vapes to minors and supplying illicit tobacco products. As a result of the enforcement activity, TGA officers seized a range of unlawful vaping products.

Investigations remain ongoing, and the TGA will consider further regulatory action in relation to this matter. This operation sends a clear warning to any retailer targeting young people with illegal vaping products - such behaviour is unacceptable and will result in enforcement action.

Vaping products can only be lawfully supplied through Australian pharmacies to people aged 18 and over, for smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence, where clinically appropriate and where the products meet TGA standards.

It is illegal for any other retailer, including tobacconists and convenience stores, to sell any kind of vape. Non‑compliance with the vaping‑related provisions in the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 can attract significant penalties, including imprisonment for up to 7 years and fines of up to $2.31 million for individuals and $23.1 million for corporations per offence. The TGA continues to prioritise activities that deter and disrupt the illicit supply of vapes and takes strong action, especially when young people are being targeted.

If you need support to quit smoking or vaping, speak with a health professional, call Quitline on 13 78 48 (13 QUIT), or download the My QuitBuddy App.

The Government has also invested in a range of supports including the Youth Vaping Education Campaign and the National Tobacco and E‑Cigarette Campaign, which aim to reduce smoking and vaping rates among priority and at‑risk groups, particularly young people. More information is available at www.health.gov.au/vaping.

Contact for members of the media: