Experts: We're losing the fight against illicit tobacco
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.
Category : Search result: illicit drug use statistics
WA Government Cuts Tobacco Inspections Amid Illegal Trade Surge
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.
Teens skirt social media ban, others isolated under new law
One month into Australia's world-first social media age verification law, teens are finding workarounds while some feel cut off. Explore the mixed impact and expert analysis.
Overseas Student Convicted in Huge Perth Tobacco Raid
An overseas student has been convicted for her role in a massive illegal tobacco operation in Perth, where authorities seized over 1.2 million dollars worth of illicit cigarettes. Read the full story.
Woman fronts court over $20m cocaine smuggling plot
An Adelaide woman faces life in prison after being charged with attempting to smuggle over $20 million worth of cocaine into South Australia. Her co-accused is hospitalised with meningitis.
Cook Government slammed over WA's declining health outcomes
New WA Health data reveals alarming declines in diet, exercise, and mental health, with the Opposition blaming the Cook Government's five health ministers for failing to deliver. Discover the full impact of the cost-of-living crisis on West Australians.
WA slowest state to act on illicit vape trade
Western Australia faces a booming black market for vapes, with over 220,000 seized since 2024. Critics slam the government's slow legislative response as other states crack down. Read more.
WA defends vape law delay amid Bunbury raids and arson
The Cook Government defends the timeline for tougher vape and tobacco laws as police raid a Bunbury store and investigate a suspicious fire. Critics demand faster action.
Teen in court over alleged tobacco gang firebombing
A 14-year-old boy faces court over an alleged arson attack on a Perth store, linked to a crime syndicate's illicit tobacco turf war. Police strongly oppose bail.
Major crackdown on illegal vapes and tobacco in Hunter
NSW Health inspectors have seized illicit goods worth millions in a six-month operation, closing multiple stores. Experts warn of rising crime linked to the black market.
Geelong driver pleads guilty to drug driving charges
A Geelong man has admitted to drug driving after a crash. Cameron Lovell faced court and received a fine and licence loss. Read the full details.
Sooshi Mango's Melbourne office broken into, sparking crime debate
Comedy trio Sooshi Mango's Melbourne office was broken into, prompting a call for stricter Victorian laws. Police are investigating as the group highlights small business vulnerability.
Opposition demands vape law fast-track after Bunbury attack
WA Opposition slams government delay on vape shop closure laws after Bunbury arson attack damages local businesses. Community rallies with fundraiser as organised crime fears grow.
Meth overtakes cannabis in Geelong crime stats again
New crime data reveals methamphetamine offences have exceeded cannabis for the second consecutive year in Greater Geelong, highlighting a worrying trend in the region's drug landscape.
Bunbury store firebombed, illicit vape war fears rise
A Bunbury convenience store was firebombed overnight, with police investigating links to the illicit vape trade. The attack has heightened community fears of escalating violence.
Adelaide's Luckiest Lottery Suburbs Exposed
New data reveals the Adelaide suburbs producing the most lottery millionaires. Find out if your postcode is on the lucky list and learn the secrets behind the wins.
Cancer Drug Delayed by PBS Bureaucracy, Family Pleads
A Townsville family's desperate fight for a lifesaving cancer drug is stalled by PBS bureaucracy. Their plea highlights systemic delays affecting patients across Australia. Read their story.
Lake Macquarie records second-highest NSW road toll
Confronting 2025 data reveals Lake Macquarie had the state's second-worst road toll. Speed was the leading killer as NSW lost 355 lives. Read the full analysis and official pleas for safer driving.
Major drug and cash haul seized in Cessnock police raid
A 32-year-old man faces multiple charges after police seized $20,000 cash, methylamphetamine, heroin, GHB and stun guns during a firearms prohibition search in Cessnock. Read the full details.
Major Drop in Townsville Property Crime After Police Boost
Townsville sees a dramatic 40% fall in property crime victims, credited to a targeted police operation. Discover how Operation Uniform North is making the community safer.
Bondi Beach terms spark outcry, prompt council review
Waverley Council's controversial terms for Bondi Beach have ignited public backlash. A formal review is now underway. Discover the details and have your say.
Two women charged after $200k drug bust in Waratah
Newcastle police have charged two women after allegedly finding cocaine, MDMA, and $65,000 cash during a vehicle stop in Waratah West. Read the latest on this major drug supply case.
Family violence order breaches top Geelong crime, police cite tech
Breaches of family violence orders remain Geelong's most reported crime, with police highlighting technology's dual role in both facilitating abuse and aiding enforcement. Read the latest data.
Hunter stores closed in illicit tobacco crackdown
Six Hunter region stores have been forced to close for 90 days after being caught selling illegal tobacco and vapes. NSW Health's new powers lead to statewide blitz, seizing millions in contraband.
Woman faces court over $13m Sydney airport meth bust
A 40-year-old woman is expected to face court after Australian Border Force officers allegedly found 15kg of methamphetamine, valued at over $13 million, in her luggage at Sydney International Airport.
Harm reduction leader urges review of ACT drug parole rules
A Canberra harm minimisation leader is pushing for a review of parole conditions that ban all drug use, arguing they clash with the ACT's decriminalisation approach and risk re-incarceration. Read the full report.
Small Plastic Icons Like Soy Sauce Fish Banned from 2026
Australians will soon say goodbye to iconic plastic items like soy sauce fish and bread tags as states roll out new bans. Discover what's changing and why in our full report.
Canberra parking fine issued after number plate typo
A Canberra resident battles a bogus $141 parking fine after a single-letter typo on a number plate. Discover the widespread issue of withdrawn infringements in the ACT.
Teen remanded over Baldivis store arson
A 17-year-old boy has been remanded in custody following a suspected arson attack on a Baldivis convenience store, believed to be linked to the illicit tobacco trade. Read the latest court details.
What Perth Teens Taught Me About My Phone Addiction
A Perth journalist's candid revelation about smartphone dependency after a sobering lesson from local teenagers. Discover the impact on mental health and how to reclaim your focus.
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