The Tasmanian Government is continuing to crack down on the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products, with enforcement activity ramping up across the State and new laws to be debated.
Last month, Tasmania Police seized a significant quantity of illicit tobacco in Devonport with an estimated street value of $390,000.
This builds on extensive enforcement activities by the Department of Health's Tobacco Control Unit.
Supported by Tasmania Police, the team has seized illicit products estimated to be worth more than $6.8 million and issued 159 infringement notices since 1 July 2025.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said our Government is sending a clear message to criminal gangs.
"We are cracking down on the trade of illicit tobacco, vapes and other nicotine products in Tasmania as part of our commitment to reduce smoking rates and protect our young people from harm," Minister Archer said.
"Our enforcement teams have been working to disrupt the sale of illegal smokes and vapes throughout the State, with significant seizures in recent months."
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said these results reflect the strengthened enforcement activities undertaken through the Memorandum of Understanding between Tasmania Police and the Department of Health.
"The recent seizure in Devonport of almost 2,000 cartons of illicit tobacco was a significant disruption to this illegal market in Tasmania," Minister Ellis said.
"This adds to the state-wide seizures this financial year which include more than three million cigarettes, more than 2,100 kgs of loose tobacco and more than 25,500 e-cigarettes.
"The Memorandum of Understanding has strengthened the ongoing work of the Tobacco Control team to detect, deter, and disrupt the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes across the State."
The Parliament will today debate the Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026, which will further strengthen the fight against illicit tobacco and vaping products.
"We are creating new offences and increasing penalties for the sale and supply of illegal tobacco and vaping products, as well as introducing new powers to close businesses that sell illegal products, through this new legislation," Minister Archer said.
"These actions will further protect the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians across the State.
"I look forward to seeing the Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026 progressing through Parliament."
