WA is losing the tobacco wars as gangs target vape stores and cheap cigarettes flood market
Western Australia is struggling to control illegal tobacco sales, with criminal gangs exploiting loopholes in outdated laws and driving up violence.Summary
Western Australia (WA) is facing a growing problem with illegal tobacco sales, as criminal gangs target vape stores and flood the market with cheap cigarettes. Despite previous claims of leadership in tobacco control, the state has seen a rise in arson attacks on stores and a lack of effective enforcement. Current laws are inadequate to deal with organized crime involved in the illicit tobacco trade, and the government has been slow to implement necessary reforms. While acknowledging the issue, Health Minister Roger Cook has promised to 'crush' the industry, but concrete action has been delayed. South Australia has implemented stricter fines and store closures, offering a potential model for WA. Experts suggest the problem is driven by high legal cigarette prices and the lucrative nature of the illegal trade, requiring a comprehensive approach to regain control and reduce violence.
(Source：ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation))
