Over 30,000 Illegal Vaping Goods Seized in Major TGA Operation, South-West Sydney
Summary
The TGA, assisted by NSW Police Force, seized over 30,000 illegal vaping goods from sites in Chipping Norton and Casula on 15 April 2026, with an estimated street value of $1.8 million. This enforcement action follows a significant investigation into unlawful online advertising, supply, and possession of commercial quantities of illegal vaping goods. The TGA warns that non-compliance with vaping offences under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 can result in penalties including up to 7 years imprisonment, or fines of up to $2.31 million for individuals and $23.1 million for corporations per offence.
What changed
The TGA conducted a targeted enforcement action in south-west Sydney on 15 April 2026, seizing over 30,000 illegal vaping goods with an estimated street value of $1.8 million. This follows sustained compliance and enforcement action to deter and disrupt the supply of illegal vaping goods across Australia, with over 53 joint operations conducted since the introduction of vaping reforms.
Businesses and individuals involved in importing, manufacturing, supplying, advertising, or possessing commercial quantities of illegal vaping goods face significant legal consequences. The TGA encourages reporting of illegal supply of vaping goods and advises consumers seeking to quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence to consult doctors or pharmacists.
Penalties
Up to 7 years imprisonment; fines up to $2.31M for individuals or $23.1M for corporations per offence under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989
Archived snapshot
Apr 17, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Over 30,000 illegal vaping goods seized in major TGA operation in south-west Sydney
Published
17 April 2026
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The TGA seized over 30,000 vaping goods from sites in Chipping Norton and Casula, with an estimated street value of $1.8 million. Investigations into the seized goods are ongoing, and further enforcement action may follow.
This action follows a significant investigation by the TGA into the unlawful online advertising, supply and possession of commercial quantities of illegal vaping goods. The TGA is taking sustained compliance and enforcement action to deter and disrupt the supply of illegal vaping goods across Australia, supported by strong partnerships with relevant health and policing agencies nationwide. Since the introduction of vaping reforms, the TGA has participated in over 53 joint operations to disrupt and deter the illegal vaping trade.
Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Head of the TGA, said "This operation delivers a strong message that the TGA acts against those seeking to profit from the supply of illegal vaping products. Anyone looking to access a vaping product to stop smoking or manage their nicotine dependence should talk to their doctor or pharmacist."
It is illegal to import, manufacture, supply, advertise or have commercial possession of disposable single use and non-therapeutic vapes. Non‑compliance with the vaping offences in the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 can attract significant penalties, including imprisonment for up to 7 years, or fines of up to $2.31 million for individuals or $23.1 million for corporations per offence.
The TGA encourages anyone with information about the illegal supply of vaping goods to report it via the TGA website.
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.
Contact for members of the media:
- Email: news@health.gov.au
- Phone: 02 6289 7400 Topics
- Vaping hub
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