WA tobacco war: Veteran cop leads crack down on illegal tobacco operations, aims to lure back retired police

Police will be coaxed out of retirement to fight WA’s escalating tobacco war, as Premier Roger Cook promises a tough new approach to tackling the rising scourge of illegal tobacco sales. Mr Cook on Saturday gave an insight into new legislation currently being drafted to tackle the growing problem of illegal tobacco operations, saying new laws would give authorities the power to shut down illegal shops and increase penalties for law-breakers. Currently Department of Health can seize illicit tobacco, and fine and prosecute dodgy operators. Under the proposed legislation dodgy operators could face closure orders and stronger penalties. “I have made my position clear — these tobacco thugs must be stopped,” Mr Cook said. “Make no mistake about it, we are dealing with organised crime, and it requires a considered, whole of government response. “That’s why, in addition to boosted compliance efforts, we are drafting laws that will give authorities powers to shut down illegal shops and increase penalties for those who break the law, bringing WA back to having among the strongest legislation in the nation.” But in the meantime, the Premier revealed an immediate plan to recruit hard-nosed coppers into the Department of Health’s inspection team who investigate illegal tobacco shops. As of Monday, Superintendent Steve Post — a police veteran of 40 years — will head a new-look squad at the Department of Health, which will include an expanded team of inspectors to crack down on operators selling vapes and illegal cigarettes. And in a move reminiscent of the 1987 crime film, the Untouchables, Supt. Post will seek out retired and current police officers who may want to step back from front-line duties and join him in the fight against the illegal tobacco trade. The WA Government hopes the presence of hard-nosed coppers during inspections will help de-escalate the tobacco war, which this week saw two stores set on fire in as many days. The Government believes the increasing complexity of illegal tobacco investigations and links to organised crime “mean the job of compliance enforcement requires a new approach”. The Cook Government says Supt. Post will be a “Tobacco Tsar”, leading the fight against WA’s tobacco war. “The Western Australia Police Force rapidly responds to threats from those who break the law and do harm in our community. Police will continue to arrest and charge anyone who engages in these targeted attacks within the illegal tobacco trade,” Supt Post said on Saturday. “Those who are engaging in this unlawful behaviour, and the organised crime syndicates behind it, will now find it even more difficult to conduct their illegal business under this new arrangement.” Turf wars between organised-crime groups trying to control the illegal tobacco trade, are occurring throughout Australia. The illegal tobacco trade is big business, with cigarettes sold for a fraction of the price of legal tobacco. In other States there already exists tough penalties to combat the illegal tobacco trade. But WA has procrastinated on bringing in tougher laws. It was also revealed in The West Australian on Monday that checks on convenient stores and tobacconists had fallen to 751 in 2025 — the lowest number in five years. Former Labor premier Peter Dowding, who passed WA’s Tobacco Act, this week questioned why legislation to toughen tobacco laws had not yet been introduced. “I simply can’t understand the pace of it,” Mr Dowding said. The WA Parliament resumes in February after a summer break. Mr Cook said new tobacco legislation would be introduced “as a priority”. “Western Australians should be reassured that new legislation will be introduced to Parliament as a priority — but it’s important we get it right,” he said. “In the meantime, we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to disrupt the illegal tobacco trade and keep the community safe.” Police Minister Reece Whitby adding: “Let me be absolutely clear – the criminal gangs behind illegal tobacco, fire-bombings and shootings in Western Australia will be found, shut down and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. “From tomorrow, enforcement ramps up with the deployment of a senior police officer with over four decades of experience, going inside the Health Department to boost action against illicit tobacco operators and dismantle the networks causing this violence. “WA Police will continue kicking in doors, seizing assets and arresting those who think they can get away with violence in our community. “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 work so far to combat the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes. “Our dedicated health enforcement officers have been working hard to protect Western Australians and keep these harmful products out of our shops,” she said. “The nature of this reprehensible trade is changing rapidly, and we need to support our enforcement team to respond accordingly, while we draft new laws to stamp out this dangerous criminal activity. “That means expanding our intelligence and enforcement capacity and boosting resources on the ground to perform more inspections right across the state.”