Western Australia’s crackdown on illegal tobacco retailers has forced dozens of stores to close, with authorities ramping up enforcement under tough new laws aimed at disrupting the black-market cigarette trade.
The latest closure occurred in Rockingham, where government officials issued a shutdown notice to a store suspected of selling illegal tobacco products. The business was ordered to cease operations as part of a statewide compliance blitz.
The action comes as police investigate an armed robbery at another suspected illicit tobacco shop in Carlisle. Detectives say two men allegedly threatened a worker with a knife shortly after midnight before fleeing with cash and other items. The employee was not physically injured during the incident.
Health authorities have now shut down more than 40 stores across Western Australia, including 11 closures this week alone. Several of the targeted businesses have previously been linked to criminal activity, including arson attacks and shootings.
One recently closed store in Ballajura had reportedly been shot at and set on fire multiple times over the past 18 months, highlighting growing concerns about violence associated with the illegal tobacco market.
Local business owners have welcomed the crackdown, saying the closures could reduce crime and improve safety in surrounding areas.
Under current legislation, stores found to be operating illegally can be closed for up to 90 days. The state government is also considering even tougher penalties, including longer closure periods for repeat offenders.
Authorities say the ongoing operation is designed to curb the illegal tobacco trade, protect legitimate businesses, and reduce criminal activity linked to the underground cigarette market.
Police continue to search for the suspects involved in the Carlisle robbery.
