New illegal vaping stores have emerged in regional Western Australia, despite federal efforts to curb the trade. In the past year, shops in Northam and Geraldton have reportedly begun selling nicotine products both openly and discreetly. This development follows complaints about a store in Albany that marketed itself as a "candy store" near a school.

Federal legislation prohibiting the sale of vapes has pushed the market underground since July 2022. However, new retailers continue to appear in regional centers. A convenience store in Northam, which opened within the last year, has been observed displaying and selling vapes. This store is located less than a kilometer from a primary school and two high schools. Additionally, an old takeaway shop in Geraldton reopened about four months ago and has been described by locals as having a "roaring trade" in selling vapes under the counter. A resident reported this store to Crime Stoppers, although neither WA Police nor the Department of Health confirmed receipt of the report. A spokesperson for WA Health stated that inspections are regularly conducted in both metropolitan and regional areas, including the Midwest and Wheatbelt.

Another convenience store in Geraldton is reportedly selling vapes under the counter, utilizing a text-to-order system and code names. The black market for vapes appears to be thriving on social media, with listings disguised as "scent sticks" in various locations across the state, including Perth, Geraldton, and Karratha.

Brent Walker, coordinator for the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service, noted a growing demand for vape education sessions in remote schools. The Tackling Indigenous Smoking team recently traveled to Exmouth, Meekatharra, and surrounding communities to conduct these sessions. Walker remarked, "It's in such a remote area, you'd think kids wouldn't be getting a hold of vapes, but people are bringing it into their town." He added that teachers have observed students hiding to vape during school hours.

The classroom education sessions have been ongoing for several years, but the team has recently expanded to include areas like Shark Bay and Exmouth. Walker explained that children often obtain vapes from older siblings, family, or friends, with many products being brought in from larger cities like Perth or Geraldton.

Regarding enforcement, WA Police stated that the investigation and prosecution of illegal vape sales fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration. A WA Health spokesperson indicated that vendors could be inspected without prior notice, and fines or other enforcement actions could result if illegal tobacco or vapes are discovered. The department emphasized that regional WA is currently a focus for compliance efforts, with increased investigation activities. Since the start of 2024, over 222,000 vapes have been seized during inspections in WA. The spokesperson also noted that advertising or supplying vapes through social media is prohibited and carries serious penalties. The state government is working to strengthen WA's vaping and tobacco laws.