September 3, 2024
Fears of gangland escalation as illegal vape, tobacco importers boast about trade
Fears that gangland wars will erupt over the black-market trade in tobacco and vapes have led to calls for tougher action, as importers of illicit products defy Australian law by spruiking stock online and gloating about the ease of bypassing Australia's border controls.
Online profiles hosted on websites including Facebook are bragging about actively bringing vapes into the country, while also advertising their wares.
One page stated in a post earlier this year: "The reason why we dare to trade with Australian customers: Our transportation team has the ability to pass the Australian customs scanner." Another post in broken English, which said its products were being sent to Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, read: "Now in the Australian market, vape arrived in Australia today, sold by Australians today, and then out of stock again." The role of border security in cracking down on the illicit vape and tobacco trade was thrown into the spotlight again this week after The Daily Telegraph revealed a ship carrying more than two tonnes of illegal tobacco was intercepted by NSW Police but allowed to sail free. The ship, which was first intercepted off Newcastle, was allowed to leave with its cargo after the Australian Border Force (ABF) told police officers they could not seize the cargo or bring the vessel into port.
The ship was monitored until it left Australian waters, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke praising the handling of the situation yesterday. "This successful operation sends a clear message to anyone trying to import illicit substances into Australia: You will be sent on your way before you even get a chance to start," he said.
It came as Coalition MPs said not enough was being done to tackle illegal vape and tobacco imports.
"It's totally unsurprising the Albanese government's halfhearted and underfunded so-called crackdown on vaping is being openly defied by criminal smugglers," Opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson said. "If we don't act decisively, the gangland war to control this lucrative market playing out in our suburbs will get even worse." Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said he had written to Meta, Facebook's owner, to ensure it was complying with Australian law, which prohibits advertising of vapes.
Mr Butler added the Therapeutic Goods Administration "will investigate these pages immediately".
