WA Police raid Bunbury tobacconist after suspected firebomb of different vape store
WA Police raided a Bunbury tobacconist following a suspected firebombing of a nearby vape store, highlighting concerns over illegal tobacco trade.Summary
Western Australia Police raided a tobacconist in Bunbury, 150 kilometers south of Perth, less than 72 hours after a suspected firebombing at a different store in the same town. Police seized vapes and cigarettes, but current laws limit their ability to immediately shut down businesses. A staff member criticized the raid as a misuse of taxpayer funds, suggesting resources should be focused on more serious crimes. The raid follows a recent arson attack on a convenience store suspected of being linked to the illegal tobacco trade, which caused significant damage to a neighboring beauty salon. Authorities are drafting tougher tobacco laws to grant police greater powers to combat the illegal trade and protect businesses, and some landlords are already evicting tenants involved in criminal activity. Investigations into both the arson and the raid are ongoing.
(Source：ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation))
