TGA seizes thousands of illicit vapes, nicotine pouches and therapeutic goods in Western Sydney

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has seized more than 5,000 vapes, 7,000 nicotine pouches and other products across two locations in Sydney’s western suburb of Penrith. The seized goods have an estimated street value of more than $360,000. Other items seized include over 2,000 units of alleged illicit sildenafil, a prescription only medication used for erectile dysfunction.

The TGA alleges that these products were unlawfully possessed or supplied in contravention of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act). Therapeutic vapes are only available for sale from participating pharmacies, where clinically appropriate for smoking cessation and the management of nicotine dependence.

It is illegal for Australian retailers such as tobacconists and convenience stores to supply any kind of vaping goods or nicotine pouches. It is also unlawful for retailers to sell nicotine pouches, even to customers with a prescription.

Nicotine pouches are prescription medicines and subject to strict regulation under the Act and state and territory medicines and poisons laws. Nicotine pouches can contain very high nicotine concentrations that have not been assessed in clinical studies, posing potential significant safety risks.

"We are committed to disrupting the supply of illicit vaping and other therapeutic goods,” said Professor Anthony Lawler, Head of the TGA and Australia’s Chief Medical Officer. “What we are doing is not just about enforcing the law, it is about protecting the health and wellbeing of Australians now and into the future."

In addition to seizure and loss of product, significant penalties can apply to the unlawful importation, manufacture, supply, commercial possession and advertising of vaping goods, nicotine pouches and prescription medicines. Since the start of 2024, the Australian Border Force and TGA have seized approximately 7.8 million vaping products, valued at more than $230 million, with additional enforcement actions planned across the nation.

The TGA encourages anyone with information about the unlawful sale of vaping goods to report it. To learn more about the regulation of vaping goods, visit the TGA’s Vaping hub.

Contact for members of the media:

• Email: news@health.gov.au
• Phone: 02 6289 7400