A $10 million, 25-tonne seizure of illegal vapes and “nangs” has been made in Perth.
It’s believed to be the biggest bust of its kind in Australia.
Destined for Australia’s black market, the items were crammed into a warehouse in Perth’s north-eastern suburbs.
The illegal jackpot was uncovered after a tip off from the public.
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson praised those involved.
“It’s great work by the compliance officers and the local government involved,” she said.
A total of 300,000 vapes weighing 15 tonnes were in the packages.
Lab tests have confirmed they’re bursting with nicotine.
In just one vape there were 900 milligrams of nicotine, the equivalent of nearly 100 cigarettes.
It’s a crime to possess or sell a nicotine vape without a prescription in Western Australia.
Individuals face up to three years in jail and there are huge fines for businesses.
The bust is equal to the total number of nicotine vapes seized in New South Wales in a year.
Clinical Toxicologist Dr Jessamine Soderstrom said even vapes not supposed to contain nicotine often do.
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“They are being marketed to young people and that is a big issue,” she said.
Nitrous oxide canisters, commonly known as nangs, are also a big issue.
Ten tonnes of those were found, 180,000 canisters.
Chronic inhalation can destroy the lining of the spinal cord.
Royal Perth Emergency Department has seen an increase in the number of arrivals due to nang abuse.
In 2018 there were just two, now there’s one every fortnight on average
Nangs can only legally be purchased for use in commercial kitchens.
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has banned the sale of nangs to under 16s and isn’t stopping there.
“The sheer volume of them shows that they were not destined for our cake bakers,” she said.
“I have received preliminary advice from the CHO around some of those recommendations I have asked them to go back and tighten them a bit further.”
The bust is now in the hands of WA Police.
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