The South Australian government is encouraging locals to report stores selling illicit tobacco and vapes to Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
According to the government, there are estimated to be about 200 tobacco stores operating illegally throughout South Australia selling tobacco and vapes without a license.
“Most of the cigarettes and vapes sold at these stores are imported from overseas,” it says.
“The packets do not contain the necessary health warnings and could have anything in them without any kind of screening process in place. Vapes tested have been found to contain a cocktail of chemicals including arsenic and lead.
“In addition to the health risks, these stores also pose a serious threat to the wider community with 20 arson attacks connected to the illicit tobacco trade taking place last year.”
The South Australian government says it’s continuing its tough approach to combatting the illicit tobacco and vape trade with new penalties of up to $1.5 million now in place.
The Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs now also has the power to close down illicit tobacco stores for up to 72 hours. This can be extended to up to six months with a long-term closure order approved by a Magistrate.
South Australian Minister for Small and Family Business, Consumer and Business Affairs, and Arts Andrea Michaels says the Malinauskas government is taking the threat posed by the illicit tobacco industry extremely seriously, encouraging people to report illegal tobacco stores to CBS.
“We are not going to allow these illegal shops to operate in our community. We have all seen the danger they bring including to innocent neighbouring businesses,” she says.
“It is increasingly organised crime behind these illegal tobacco shops, and we are going to continue to raid these businesses, get these products off the streets and shut these stores down.”
To report illegal tobacco or vape dealers, visit cbs.sa.gov.au/tobacco.