The illegal sale of tobacco is a rising issue around Australia. Photo: Evgra Fovasa.
The Western Australian Government has unveiled a suite of new measures aimed at the illegal tobacco trade, aiming to curb the practice to protect community safety.
A new approach will be put in place in part to recognise the complexity of illegal tobacco investigations and links to organised crime.
Under the new measures, senior WA Police officer Superintendent Steve Post will lead the Department of Health’s tobacco compliance operations.
Superintendent Post has four decades of experience in the police service and played a leading role in Operation Tide during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, extra staff will be deployed to the Tobacco Compliance Unit to assist in cracking down on the illegal trade, more than doubling inspector capacity.
“Make no mistake about it, we are dealing with organised crime, and it requires a considered, whole-of-government response,” Premier Roger Cook said.
“Keeping the community safe is our priority — and that includes the staff and inspectors who are working to ensure compliance, as well as protecting the next generation from taking up smoking.
“That’s why we’re strengthening our team of compliance officers by utilising the considerable expertise of WA Police.”
In an effort to help, current officers or those who have recently left the service will have the chance to join the Department of Health to use their knowledge in enforcing tobacco compliance and support Operation Maverick.
Since Operation Maverick was initiated in November 2025, WA police have charged 12 individuals with 59 offences, including criminal damage, burglary, stealing, drug offences and criminal damage by fire.
Changes to the Tobacco Products Control Act are currently being drafted. Amendments to the act will equip Western Australia with some of the strongest penalties in the Commonwealth relating to the illegal sale of tobacco, in addition to allowing for the closure of the premises involved.
“The sale of illicit tobacco is funding international serious and organised crime networks that our WA Police Force will continue to target by kicking in doors and making arrests through Taskforce Maverick,” Police Minister Reece Whitby said.
“We’re committed to keeping the community safe, and these extra resources will target criminal networks and protect businesses trying to do the right thing every day across the state.”
