Retailers selling illegal vapes in Australia to face huge fines and jail terms

Australia enforces tough penalties for illegal vape sales, with fines and jail terms for offenders. The nationwide ban on non-pharmacy vape sales has not curbed the black market availability, leading to warnings of prosecutions from Health Minister Mark Butler. The government's initial stricter ban was diluted to allow vape sales in pharmacies under certain conditions. Despite some success in shutting down vape stores, illegal markets persist, prompting calls for a more robust enforcement strategy, involving police and border forces. Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston criticizes the government for failing to protect youth from the dangers of vaping. Despite challenges, efforts to control illegal vapes are ongoing, including seizures at the border.