South Australians have been urged by the state government to report stores selling illicit tobacco and vapes to Consumer and Business Services, as authorities estimate around 200 unlicensed tobacco shops are operating across the state.
Most of the products sold at these stores are imported from overseas, posing serious health risks as they lack proper health warnings and screening. Some vapes have been found to contain harmful chemicals like arsenic and lead.
In addition to health concerns, these illegal businesses have previously been linked to criminal activity.
Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the issue, saying, “We are not going to allow these illegal shops to operate in our community. We have all seen the danger they bring, including to innocent neighbouring businesses.”
The announcement follows a recent botched operation to shut down an illegal tobacco store in Hindmarsh. The government has pledged to continue cracking down on these businesses, with penalties for operating without a licence reaching up to $1.5 million.
According to the Australian Border Force, around 75 percent of the illegal tobacco market is controlled by organised crime.
Source: The Advertiser.
