WA Department of Health nets massive haul of tobacco and vape products during raids in Geraldton and Kalbarri

Mid West retailers were busted this week when a series of raids targeting the illegal tobacco trade netted a massive haul of almost 100,000 cigarettes and more than 800 vapes. The Department of Health conducted 13 compliance checks over two days on retail premises in Geraldton and Kalbarri suspected of selling illicit tobacco products. A big stash was seized from the raids, including 99,420 individual cigarettes, 37.25kg of loose leaf tobacco and 810 vapes. The department’s investigative capabilities are ramping up as the complexity of these cases and their links to organised crime increase. The department declined to confirm the exact type of retailers caught in their crosshairs during this week’s Mid West crackdown, but it’s understood they included convenience stores and tobacconists. Department director of tobacco and vape regulation Shane Giblett said traders making money off the illegal tobacco market in regional WA had been put on notice. “Tobacco products are harmful to the health of Western Australians and their families,” he said. “In addition, organised crime plays a major role in the distribution of these products, which puts community safety at risk. “Our enforcement team works closely with the WA Police Force to stop the illegal tobacco trade and ultimately keep Western Australians safe.” Mr Giblett said impacts of the illicit tobacco trade were widespread and the department’s enforcement actions aimed to protect the health and wellbeing of all West Australians, both in metropolitan and regional areas. It is understood the investigations into this week’s raids are ongoing and enforcement outcomes will follow. The department warned it would be boosting resources on the ground and conducting more inspections across the State as it continued to build on its intelligence and enforcement capacity. It also said proposed new laws would “significantly increase powers to tackle the scourge of illicit tobacco and vaping products”. The Cook Government announced the legislation earlier this month, which would include powers to shut shops for up to 90 days and issue harsher fines. The Tobacco Products Control Act will include the toughest penalties in Australia, with the maximum for possession of a large quantity of illicit tobacco set to increase to $4.2 million for an individual, or $21m for a company, and up to 15 years jail. Same-day store closure orders of 72 hours will require “reasonable suspicion”, while the WA Department of Health director-general would need to approve any orders to shut a shop for up to 90 days while police investigate. The legislation passed the Lower House on Thursday and is now set to be debated in the Upper House. The State Opposition is pushing for the new laws to have more bite, demanding the inclusion of long-term closures of up to 12 months and even tougher penalties for those selling vapes or cigarettes to minors. If anyone suspects a premises is selling illegal tobacco or vapes, it can be reported to TCC.Report@health.wa.gov.au, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.