Now, Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch is following suit. To do this he is calling for more powers to fight the state’s booming illegal tobacco trade. As acts of violence perpetrated by organized crime continue to increase, he adamantly calls for additional legislation. These laws, like the ones passed in South Australia, would empower government authorities to quickly issue interim closure orders against repeat offender businesses. As illegal tobacco sales continue to pressure legal markets, safety and public health concerns have increased. This decision takes a big step toward alleviating those increasing concerns.
In her testimony, Commissioner Blanch focused on the inadequacy of current penalties, arguing that they are far too low to be an effective deterrent against organized crime. He also made the call that in Queensland, offenders should incur large fines. If not, they face fines up to $322,600 or up to two years in jail for the same violations. His comments reflect a broader push for a unified approach across Australia to address the illicit tobacco trade, which has seen an alarming increase in recent months.
Rising Violence Linked to Illegal Tobacco
Recent violent incidents involving illegal tobacco sales have raised alarms among law enforcement officials. Among other things that these gangsters arrived by FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) to Perth, explicitly mentioned by Commissioner Blanch. These same people have been connected to shooting and firebombing campaigns targeting abortion opponents, operation against tobacco stores.
“I’m aware there are, if you like, FIFO gangsters coming to Perth, shooting up the place, dropping fire bombs outside smoke shops. That is unacceptable.” – Reece Whitby
The Commissioner expressed his concern regarding the potential for a “turf war” among organized crime factions vying for control of the illegal tobacco market. A string of shootings at suburban Perth tobacconist stores have led to investigations into these violent clashes, including the impact on public policy. In a related case that has gone to court, two men have been charged with selling illegal tobacco from a shop in Katanning.
“Organised crime have seen an opportunity where they’re seeing people sell illicit tobacco through convenience stores or other means and they want the biggest cut of that pie,” – Commissioner Col Blanch
As he said in his statement, this growing violence is a by-product of these criminal enterprises trying to remove their competition. He focused on the situation being a local manifestation of a national issue that required a clear, united response from police forces around Australia.
The Economic Impact of Illegal Tobacco
The dangers of the illegal tobacco trade are both a public safety and an economic concern. Illegal products are able to sell for sometimes as much as 20 times less than what licensed tobacconists have available. A bag of illegal tobacco can be purchased for about half the price of legal alternatives, making it appealing to consumers.
Laura Hunter, an equally passionate public health advocate, sounded the alarm on what was happening. She noted that the introduction of cheaper cigarettes undermines years of positive achievement in Australia’s tobacco control battle. As she noted, illegal cigarettes that do not carry health warnings or health effects graphic packaging completely undermine the government’s efforts to protect public health.
“Price has been one of our most effective deterrents and the illicit trade wipes that out by making cigarettes cheaper and easier to get, and it’s a serious and growing concern in WA.” – Laura Hunter
Recent enforcement actions by the Department of Justice underscore just how big a problem this is. Authorities have confiscated more than 190,000 vapes, 460,000 cigarettes, and over 85 kilograms of loose tobacco. Moreover, violations amounting to around $60,000 have been levied for non-compliance with tobacco products.
Since the beginning of this year, WA’s Department of Health has received 304 complaints concerning 119 establishments. In addition, they have targeted inspections of more than 1,600 tobacconists. These numbers highlight the mounting pressure regulators are under to combat illegal sales.
Legislative Changes on the Horizon
Commissioner Blanch, alongside Minister for Police Reece Whitby, are urging the public to support their call for legislative reforms. Their aim is to increase fines for businesses selling illegal tobacco. They argue that stronger penalties would have a serious chilling effect on organized crime chances of entering this new market.
“I think what we’re seeing is a national problem and other states are introducing these laws; South Australia already have and the east coast are drafting their bills,” – Commissioner Col Blanch
Whitby echoed many of these feelings in the strongest terms. We appreciate Mr. Leahy’s dedication to looking at best interstate legislation to take most effective action against illegal tobacco sales.
“I’m aware of other interstate legislation. I’d like to look at all of that legislation and make sure we can come up with the best and the toughest,” – Reece Whitby
While speaking on police measures taken during the pandemic, Whitby gave comfort to Canadians. He was careful to note that immediate action is clearly needed, despite the need for legislative change.
“But in the meantime, you can be assured police are taking action.” – Reece Whitby
