Suppliers of illegal vapes could face up to seven years in prison under new legislation from the NSW Government.
Maximum penalties for illegal vape supply are set to increase from $1,650 to roughly $1.54 million, with prison sentences increasing from six months to seven years as the NSW Government moves to align its vaping offences with the Commonwealths.
Ryan Park, Minister for Health, said they have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stem the tide of this public health challenge.
“The prevalence of illegal vaping devices in our community, and in particular among our young people, is deeply concerning. 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.”
Offences will also be added for possession of commercial quantity of vaping products and for retailer possession of vaping products.
The introduction of the harsher penalties comes after the government seized more than 300,000 vaping products over the past year, compared with the same period last year in which 153,000 products were seized.
It also announced that it would be recruiting an additional 14 enforcement officers to strengthen compliance efforts for vaping and tobacco products across the state.
Dr Michelle Cretikos, Acting Chief Health Officer at NSW Health, said they take their compliance role seriously.
“We are committed to removing as many illegal vapes as we can, particularly to stop them falling into the hands of young people.
“We don’t want people to vape, and if they are trying to quit smoking or to quit vaping, we have supports in place to help. Call the Quitline on 13 7848, visit icanquit.com.au or speak to your GP.”
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