‘Big vape’: How Chinese multinationals and organised crime fuelled a public health crisis
November 18, 2024 by smh.com.au
‘Big vape’: How Chinese multinationals and organised crime fuelled a public health crisis
Vapes are increasingly sneaking into Australian convenience stores, fueling a market controlled by organized crime. Despite government bans on disposable vapes, seizures have almost quadrupled. The illicit vape market, worth over $2 billion annually, poses health risks and addiction, especially among young Australians. The government struggles to regulate vapes, facing backlash from pharmacists and escalating youth consumption. Illicit trade in vapes drives turf wars and profits criminal activities. Concerns over health impacts and rising addiction rates prompt stricter regulations. Unauthorized sales of vapes persist despite crackdowns.
13.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.6 million current smokers in Australia 15.20% of men are current smokers but only 10.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
