Supt Steve Post will join the Health Department’s team of inspectors to crack down on illegal tobacco operations.
Western Australia is intensifying its battle against illegal tobacco sales, with Premier Roger Cook announcing a series of measures to combat the growing issue. This initiative includes plans to recruit retired police officers to bolster inspection teams within the Department of Health, aimed at cracking down on illicit tobacco operations.
On March 15, 2025, Cook revealed that new legislation is being drafted to empower authorities to close down illegal shops and impose stricter penalties on offenders. Currently, the Department of Health has the authority to seize illicit tobacco, impose fines, and prosecute those involved in illegal sales. The proposed laws seek to enhance these powers, enabling authorities to implement closure orders against persistent offenders.
“I have made my position clear — these tobacco thugs must be stopped,” Cook stated. “Make no mistake about it, we are dealing with organized crime, and it requires a considered, whole-of-government response.”
As part of the immediate strategy, Superintendent Steve Post, a seasoned police veteran with 40 years of experience, will lead a new team within the Department of Health. This team will focus on inspecting shops suspected of selling illegal cigarettes and vapes. Cook’s administration believes that the presence of experienced officers during inspections will help mitigate tensions, especially following recent incidents where two stores were set ablaze within days.
The complexity of illegal tobacco investigations, which often involve organized crime, has prompted calls for a new approach. The Cook Government has designated Superintendent Post as a “Tobacco Tsar,” emphasizing the need for an aggressive enforcement strategy. “The Western Australia Police Force rapidly responds to threats from those who break the law and do harm in our community,” Post remarked. “Those engaged in this unlawful behavior will find it increasingly difficult to operate under this new arrangement.”
The illegal tobacco trade is a significant issue throughout Australia, with cigarettes often sold at prices far below those of legal products. Other states have already enacted strict penalties to combat this trade, while Western Australia has faced criticism for delays in introducing tougher laws. Former Labor Premier Peter Dowding, who was instrumental in passing WA’s Tobacco Act, expressed confusion over the slow legislative response.
“I simply can’t understand the pace of it,” Dowding commented, as the WA Parliament prepares to resume sessions in February 2025. Cook assured the public that new tobacco legislation would be introduced “as a priority” but emphasized the importance of getting it right.
In the wake of this crackdown, Police Minister Reece Whitby made it clear that law enforcement will escalate efforts against organized crime linked to the illegal tobacco market. “From tomorrow, enforcement ramps up with the deployment of a senior police officer with over four decades of experience,” Whitby stated. “If you are involved in the illegal tobacco trade in our State – we’re coming for your operations, your profits, and your freedom.”
Health Minister Meredith Hammat defended the ongoing efforts to curb illegal tobacco sales, highlighting the work of health enforcement officers. “The nature of this reprehensible trade is changing rapidly, and we need to support our enforcement team to respond accordingly,” she noted.
The WA Government is committed to leveraging every available resource to disrupt the illegal tobacco trade, ensuring the safety of the community while navigating the complexities of this evolving issue. As the legislative process unfolds, Western Australians can expect a more robust response to the threats posed by illegal tobacco operations.
