Shocking new data reveals tobacco-related harm is hospitalising 35 West Australians every day at a staggering cost of $129 million to taxpayers. The alarming figures highlight a growing public health crisis.
WA Premier Roger Cook announces a $5 million illicit tobacco squad led by ex-police, but the Opposition calls it a 'smoke screen' as new laws are needed to shut retailers. Read the latest.
A decorated WA police veteran is spearheading a major crackdown on illegal tobacco operations and aims to recruit retired officers to bolster the fight against organised crime. Read the full story.
Nearly 20 Bandidos OMCG members arrested following a reckless police pursuit through Perth's southern suburbs. All motorbikes seized, men to face court. Read the full details.
Major police operation on the Kwinana Freeway after a serious incident involving outlaw motorcycle gang members. Traffic chaos ensues as the Gang Crime Squad investigates. Full details here.
WA Police have charged three men as part of a major probe into an alleged illicit tobacco operation. Over $1.5 million in cash was seized during raids across Perth. Read the latest.
A 49-year-old man faces court after Raptor Squad officers intercepted an allegedly stolen motorbike in Cessnock, seizing methamphetamine. Read the full details of the police operation.
WA's top health official, Dr Shirley Bowen, is baffled by the lack of action on illicit tobacco sales, a major public health threat. Discover why enforcement is lagging.
Shocking discovery as plumbers find human bones in a Silverleaves backyard. Homicide Squad investigates potential links to historical cases. Read the latest details.
Victoria Police Bomb Squad called to a Geelong West unit complex after the discovery of a suspicious device. Residents evacuated as a precaution. Full details on the incident and police response.
A 37-year-old man allegedly attempted to evade police by hiding in a creek bed in Albion Park after a dramatic roadside incident. Read the full court details and bail outcome.
WA Police's Taskforce Maverick investigates a suspicious fire at Ballajura City Shopping Centre, the second blaze in 24 hours, linked to the state's illicit tobacco trade. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers.
A high-speed police chase in Sydney's west ended with a patrol car rammed and a woman arrested. The male driver remains at large. Follow live updates.
Premier Roger Cook's vow to crush WA's illicit tobacco trade rings hollow as another shop is torched. Health inspections hit a three-year low while criminals run rampant. Analysis.
Fremantle's Jordan Clark issues a stern warning ahead of the AFL State of Origin clash, backing WA's star-studded lineup to deliver. Read his full analysis.
WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas urges Premier Roger Cook to 'do your job' and urgently strengthen tobacco laws, citing a surge in youth vaping and illegal sales. Read the full story.
Police have raided a Leopold convenience store following an undercover operation into alleged illegal tobacco sales. A 36-year-old man is set to face court. Read the full details.
A tobacco store in Huntingdale was severely damaged in a suspected arson attack. Police are investigating the fire, which caused significant damage to the Ashtar WA Tobacco shop.
Police have charged three men after a handgun and a Holden sedan connected a spate of armed robberies in Waratah, Seven Hills, Pyrmont, and Kingswood. Read the full investigation details.
WA Premier Roger Cook has set a deadline for new vape and tobacco laws, but a full crackdown could be months away. Get the latest on the state's public health push.
A specialised Queensland police flying squad has arrested nearly 2000 offenders, including 1100 teenagers, in its first year. The team targets crime hotspots and repeat offenders.
Former WA Labor Premier Peter Dowding calls for urgent action on illicit tobacco, urging the state to follow NSW's tough new laws to combat crime and protect revenue.
WA Police reveal 11 people charged with 51 offences linked to illicit tobacco violence. Pressure mounts on the state government to introduce tougher laws to shut down shops.
Doug William Diver, ex-deputy president of Shire of Ashburton, faces Perth court on over a dozen child sex offences. The 59-year-old was remanded in custody. Read the latest.
Authorities in Western Australia are struggling to contain a booming black market for illegal cigarettes, with experts warning organised crime is winning. Read the full analysis.
The Albanese government faces criticism over claims its tobacco tax will fund health measures. Experts call it a misleading 'puff piece' that ignores the true cost of smoking. Read the full analysis.
The Cook Government has drastically reduced tobacco enforcement inspections in Western Australia, sparking fears of a booming black market. Critics warn this move undermines public health. Read the full investigation.
A 27-year-old man has died after becoming unresponsive during a police arrest in Melbourne's north. Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the incident.
A 44-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound at a unit complex in Merrylands and died at the scene. Homicide detectives are investigating and appealing for information.
A Lake Macquarie father has been sentenced to 15 years for sexually abusing his daughter and other children. His victims, now adults, speak out to empower others and shed the shame they never deserved to carry.