26 October 2006<%=replace((Recordset1.Fields.Item("NewsStory").Value),VbCrLf,"
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Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Recent conviction sends clear message on illegal sale of chewing tobacco

A dairy owner from Mt Roskill, Auckland has recently been prosecuted by the Ministry of Health for illegally selling chewing tobacco.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) is working with the Ministry of Health to stamp out the illegal sale, supply and distribution of chewing tobacco through Controlled Purchase Operations which are similar to ‘sting’ operations.

Smokefree Officer from Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS), Sunder Lokhande, says the use of these products is of real concern and successful prosecutions will act as deterrents.

“Using chewing tobacco significantly increases the risk of oral cancers and it is highly addictive”, he says.

The use of all forms of oral tobacco in New Zealand to date has been restricted through legislation prohibiting the importation of the products for sale, supply or distribution.

Further enforcement initiatives are planned in the Auckland region.

For more information contact:

Sunder Lokhande
Smoke-free Officer
Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Phone 09 623 4600

Ends

Fleur King
External Communications Manager
Auckland District Health Board

Phone: 09 630 9952
Fax: 09 630 9789
Mobile: 021 804 122