Health blitz sees more than 2000 nicotine vapes seized in South Australia

Health inspectors have seized more than 2000 vapes as part of an eight-week blitz on the illegal sale of nicotine e-cigarettes in South Australia.

Authorities have checked 152 businesses and seized 2800 vapes just five weeks into the plan to help cut off the supply chain.

About 1600 seized vapes were confirmed to contain nicotine through laboratory testing.

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The inspections come after the South Australian government announced a crackdown on illegal vape sales in June, threatening a $10,000 fine for businesses that do not disclose they are selling nicotine products.

"I think these stats are alarming and they show how many nicotine vapes are out there in the community," Health Minister Chris Picton said.

Seven businesses caught selling illegal vapes during the operation have been issued $500 fines, with one facing a $1000 penalty.

Small convenience stores seem to be the biggest offender so far, according to SA Health.

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"Effectively we're taking a hard line on this," Chris Lease from SA Health told 9News.

"Over half of the businesses that we're visiting have actually elected to stop selling."

Picton said that there will be further penalties for businesses caught repeatedly selling nicotine vapes.

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