Tough crackdown on illegal tobacco and vaping products in Canberra

The ACT Government has joined forces with the Australian Border Force and several partner agencies to carry out a major enforcement operation targeting the illicit tobacco trade across Canberra.

Inspections were conducted at six retail outlets throughout the ACT as part of ongoing efforts to protect public health, support community safety and ensure legitimate businesses are not disadvantaged by illegal operators.

Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne said the operation reflected the Government's commitment to tackling unlawful activity that harms the community and undermines compliant businesses.

"This enforcement activity highlights the ACT Government's ongoing commitment to cracking down on illegal activity that harms the community and disadvantages businesses doing the right thing," Minister Cheyne said.

She also welcomed the strong local results achieved through the Australian Border Force-led Illicit Tobacco National Disruption Group, which brings together 29 state and federal agencies to disrupt criminal tobacco networks operating across Australia.

The operation involved officers from Access Canberra, ACT Policing, the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Australian Border Force undertaking compliance and enforcement activities at the targeted stores.

Authorities seized more than 455,000 illicit cigarettes, approximately 26 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, 1,643 vaping devices and more than 6,290 cigars. Investigators also identified six people of interest linked to the illicit tobacco trade and confiscated approximately $27,400 in cash.

Minister Cheyne said illegal tobacco and vaping products pose significant risks to public health, damage legitimate businesses and can contribute to organised criminal activity.

"This operation sends a clear message that the ACT is not a place where criminals can profit from illegal tobacco," she said.

She added that cooperation between agencies was critical in disrupting illegal supply chains and strengthening enforcement efforts throughout the Territory.

The National Disruption Group operation has involved months of planning and coordination between participating agencies. Authorities say illicit tobacco products often move through multiple locations before reaching consumers, making enforcement activity before, at and after the border essential.

Members of the public who suspect the sale of illegal tobacco or vaping products are encouraged to report concerns through Access Canberra or anonymously via Crime Stoppers.

ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading Josh Rynehart said retailers had been repeatedly warned about the importance of complying with tobacco and vaping laws.

"Selling illicit tobacco or illegal vaping products is a serious breach that undermines consumer trust, damages legitimate businesses and puts community health at risk," Mr Rynehart said.

He said Access Canberra and ACT Police would continue working closely with Australian Government agencies to ensure businesses operate fairly and lawfully, while maintaining a safe marketplace for Canberrans.