New sweeping laws have already resulted in more than 140,000 illegal cigarettes being seized. Photo: Evgra Fovasa.
The Western Australian Government has announced the results of stricter penalties and strong enforcement powers targeting illicit tobacco and vaping.
Since the introduction of new sweeping laws on 13 May, WA Health’s Tobacco Compliance Unit and WA Police have seized 141,817 illegal cigarettes, 613 vapes and 5.2 kilograms of loose tobacco.
The first closure order was issued following a police raid on a Kalgoorlie-Boulder barber shop on the very day the laws were introduced, when 1908 illegal cigarettes and three kilograms of loose tobacco were seized.
On 15 May, WA Police carried out a search in Bunbury, resulting in another closure order.
A further four closure orders were issued in Perth, in the wake of targeted inspections by WA Health in and around the CBD.
“The results from the first 72 hours of these laws being in effect should serve as a serious warning to those dodgy operators still engaging in this dangerous trade,” Health Minister Meredith Hammat said.
“Closure orders are a game-changer in our fight against illegal tobacco, and our state and federal agencies will continue to work together to get it off our streets.”
The maximum penalty in place for possessing a large commercial quantity of illegal tobacco and vape products is $4.2 million for an individual or $21 million for a company, and 15 years’ imprisonment.
The new legislation gives WA Health the power to issue closure orders to businesses found selling or even storing illicit tobacco and vaping products. Vaping is now also banned in all places where smoking is prohibited.
Western Australia’s Labor Government has also expanded WA Health’s tobacco compliance capability to support the implementation of the new laws. These expansions include new investigators and better coordination with the police.
The reforms are aimed at disrupting the illegal activities of organised criminals linked to illicit tobacco, while helping legitimate businesses that comply with the law.
“These new laws, designed to hit criminal operations hard, are already delivering results, seizing tobacco, cigarettes and vapes while stopping stores from reopening the next day,” Police Minister Reece Whitby said.
“The Cook Labor Government is delivering stronger laws and tougher enforcement because organised crime has no place in WA, and we’re committed to keeping the community safe.”
Those with information about the sale of illegal tobacco and vape products are encouraged to report it to Western Australian Health or to Crime Stoppers.
