More than $10 million worth of vapes have been discovered hidden in a Perth warehouse.
In what is the single largest seizure of illegal vapes in Australia, WA Health compliance officers discovered the haul of 300,000 vapes after a tip-off earlier this month.
Forty pallets or 15 tonnes of vapes, and more than 10 tonnes of nitrous oxide - or nangs, as well as other illegal prescription products were seized as part of the operation, all allegedly destined to be illegally sold in WA.
Vapes and e-cigarettes can contain up to 200 toxic chemicals, including the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer, bug spray and paint stripper.
Nitrous oxide can be dangerous if inhaled - causing permanent nerve damage, brain damage or even death.
The huge seizure comes as part of the State Government's ongoing crackdown on the sale of illegal vapes and misuse of nitrous oxide.
"I'd like to congratulate all those involved in this impressive operation, conducted as part of our ongoing crackdown on illegal vapes," Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said.
"Nicotine is a highly addictive and dangerous poison, and we know vapes also contain many other toxic substances and are designed to appeal to young people."
It is an offence to manufacture, supply, possess or sell a product containing nicotine without a doctors' prescription.
In WA, the maximum penalty for selling nicotine vapes under the Medicines and Poisons Act 2014 is $45,000 and imprisonment for 3 years for an individual, or $225,000 for a company.
Anyone who has information regarding the illegal sale of e-cigarettes or vapes is urged to 'dob-in-a dealer' by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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