According to the official website of the Australian Border Force (ABF) on July 23, ABF officers seized three pallets of tobacco products while investigating the import and sale of potential illegal tobacco and vape products.
In June this year, at Perth International Airport, ABF officers conducted a luggage check on a man returning from an international flight and found and seized undeclared tobacco products worth A$29,000, including cigarettes, loose tobacco and cigarillos.
Further investigation showed that the man was the head of a private supermarket, and the police subsequently launched further investigations.
Last Friday (July 19), ABF officers intercepted a shipment in Melbourne and found 135 kilograms of Afah tobacco, 336,000 cigarettes and 25.5 kilograms of molasses tobacco. Western Australian Health Department officials were also present and seized 3,215 vapes.
It is reported that all the seized products were planned to be sold in this supermarket in Western Australia.
ABF Inspector Kelly Jorgensen said this operation is just one example of the ABF preventing illegal products from entering the Australian market.
“It is well known that the distribution and sale of illegal tobacco are closely linked to organized crime groups in Australia. We know that these groups that profit from illegal tobacco are diversifying and turning to the distribution of vapes. Buying illegal tobacco and vapes is supporting organized crime.”
“The profits from illegal tobacco are transferred back to criminal groups for serious criminal activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering to fund a luxurious life.”
“It is well known that criminal groups have pressured tobacco retailers across Australia to buy and sell their illegal products and forced them to comply through violent acts such as arson, threats and shootings.”
As a compliant and responsible vape brand, Veehoo vape strongly condemns this illegal behavior. We are committed to complying with local regulations and providing safe and high-quality vape products to ensure that consumers get legal and reliable products. We call on consumers to be vigilant about the illegal tobacco and vape markets and support law enforcement agencies to crack down on these illegal activities to maintain market order and public interests.
Through cooperation and compliance, we can work together to ensure that Australia’s vape market is healthy and orderly, away from the influence of illegal trade and organized crime. Veehoo vapes will continue to uphold integrity and quality to provide consumers with safe and reliable vape choices.
Tags: Western Australian supermarkets supply illegal tobacco products，ABF seizes illegal vapes，veehoo vape