South Australia has taken its war against vapes and illicit tobacco to the next level, with measures including million-dollar fines and surprise police raids.
Our state has officially declared war on the illicit tobacco trade. Tough new legislation went into effect on 28 November, meaning South Australia now has some of the highest penalties in the nation for dodgy dealers.
Selling vapes or other illicit tobacco products to minors? That’s a fine of up to $1.5 million for repeat offenders. Advertising these illicit products? Up to $1.1 million.
And if you’re caught selling without a licence? Get ready to cough up as much as $750,000 for a first offence, with subsequent offences costing even more.
This isn’t just a slap on the wrist; it’s a full-blown legal body slam for those dodgy dealers profiting from young people’s health.
The big crackdown
The State Government isn’t messing around – the new laws are being backed by serious police action to cut off supply at the source.
SAPOL’s Operation Eclipse, which investigates the criminal networks involved in the trade of illicit tobacco products and associated criminal offences, has been making life tough for dealers. In a single day this month, 15 shops across Adelaide were raided by police, yielding just over $1 million worth of illegal goods.
But this isn’t just about a few shady corner stores—illicit tobacco sales fund organised crime. That $20 disposable vape you’re buying? It might help pay for someone’s next illegal firearm.
Operation Eclipse has so far resulted in 22 arrests for offences including money laundering, blackmail, serious criminal trespass and arson.
Searches on 87 homes and businesses have resulted in the seizure of three firearms, one taser, nine vehicles, $1.05 million in cash, and more than $7.8 million in tobacco products.
Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby says Operation Eclipse will continue to disrupt those behind illicit tobacco sales and make SA a hostile environment for their activities.
It’s not just the local police, either—this is a multi-agency takedown including Consumer and Business Services, the Victoria Police, and Border Force.
The rise of the vape: A generation hooked
It’s clear to see why the state government is putting so much focus on quashing the illegal tobacco trade. Around 29% of South Australian students aged 12-17 years have used e-cigarettes and vaping rates among South Australians aged 15–29 have almost doubled between 2022 and 2023.
And it’s not just about the numbers—it’s what’s inside these devices. The nicotine in a single vape can equal 50 cigarettes. Think of it like chain-smoking an entire pack while convincing yourself it’s “just flavoured air.”
As well as nicotine, many illicit vapes are loaded with nasties like formaldehyde, heavy metals, and diacetyl—a chemical linked to severe lung disease.
The side effects of vaping can include vomiting, nausea, lung infections, and nicotine poisoning.
And it’s not just your physical health at risk. Vaping has been tied to stress, anxiety, and even clinical depression, adding mental health issues to the growing list of concerns.
Oh, and let’s not forget the occasional exploding vape device—because nothing says “cool” like second-degree burns and your literal pants on fire.
Why vaping is worse than you think
What’s even worse is that new research shows Australian teens who vape are five times more likely to take up smoking. And the younger you start, the higher the risk of becoming hooked for life.
With 28 South Australians dying every week from tobacco-related illnesses, vaping isn’t just a pastime—it’s a pathway to long-term harm and a shortened lifespan.
To find out more about what the state government is doing to address the sale of illicit tobacco products, visit https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/sections/Licences/tobacco-licensing-and-enforcement-in-sa
Ready to quit vaping? Visit bevapefree.sa.gov.au.
The Quitline (13 7848) also provides expert advice through options such as telephone counselling, text message support and personalised quitting plans.
For support to quit smoking visit besmokefree.com.au.
