Six stores shut down under WA's new tobacco and vaping laws
Six stores were closed and illegal tobacco and vapes were seized as WA's new laws took effect.Summary
Western Australia's new tobacco and vaping laws came into force last week, resulting in the closure of six stores across Perth and regional areas, including Bunbury. The WA Health's Tobacco Compliance Unit and WA Police conducted inspections and raids, seizing over 140,000 illegal cigarettes, 5.2 kilograms of loose tobacco, and 613 vapes. The legislation allows WA Health to issue closure orders to businesses found selling or storing illicit products, which are posted publicly on the Department of Health's website. The maximum penalty for possession of a large commercial quantity is $4.2 million for an individual or $21 million for a company, along with 15 years imprisonment. Police Minister Reece Whitby stated that the new laws are designed to disrupt organized criminal activity and that they are already delivering results by seizing products and preventing stores from re-opening. The public is encouraged to report information about illicit tobacco or vape sales to WA Health or Crime Stoppers.
(Source：97.3 Coast FM)
