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 drugs
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.
Hidden muscle risk in rapid weight loss from injections
A NSW woman's rapid 10kg weight loss using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic highlights a hidden danger: muscle loss. New research warns exercise is not optional. Read her story.
West Perth police pursuit ends in crash, drugs found
A dramatic police pursuit through West Perth ended in a crash, leading to the arrest of a 33-year-old man and the discovery of drugs and weapons. Read the full details.
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.
Push to Add Weight-Loss Drugs to PBS Subsidy Scheme
Health Minister Mark Butler confirms a push to list drugs like Wegovy on the PBS, potentially saving thousands for Australians with obesity. Read the latest.
Weight Loss Drug Study Shows Rapid Regain After Stopping
New research reveals most weight lost using popular GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic is regained within two years of stopping treatment. Learn the long-term implications.
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.
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.
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.
New weight-loss drugs bring hope amid Hunter obesity record
Record obesity rates in the Hunter region meet new hope with GLP-1 drugs. Expert Clare Collins predicts price drops and shares vital diet tips for 2026. Read more.
Police seize guns and drugs in Nollamara house raid
WA Police have seized firearms, ammunition, and drugs from a Nollamara property as part of a targeted operation to combat crime in Perth's northern suburbs. Read the full details.
Mia O'Brien freed from Dubai life sentence, home for Christmas
Mia O'Brien, the UK student sentenced to life in a Dubai prison on drug charges, has been shockingly released and is now home. Discover the details of her case and the UAE's strict drug laws.
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.
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.
Man sentenced for supplying drugs in Townsville prison
A Townsville man has been sentenced in the Magistrates Court for supplying drugs within a correctional facility. Read the full details of the case and sentencing.
Man on weapons, drugs charges after e-scooter stop
A 30-year-old Ingham man has faced court on multiple charges including possessing dangerous drugs and weapons after a police stop. Read the full details of the case.
Ballajura Firearm Attack Tied to Illicit Tobacco
Police confirm a targeted shooting at a Ballajura commercial property is linked to the illegal tobacco market. No injuries reported. Investigations are ongoing.
Gosnells Gift Store Set Alight in Tobacco Feud
A Gosnells gift shop was deliberately set on fire overnight, marking a dangerous escalation in Perth's illicit tobacco wars. Police are investigating links to organised crime.
Townsville man sentenced for drug possession
Jaron John Bradley Vickers has been sentenced in the Townsville Supreme Court for possessing dangerous drugs. Read the full details of the case and the court's decision.
Accused Geelong drug trafficker denied bail in court
Mycal John Reiss, accused of trafficking commercial quantities of drugs in Geelong, has been refused bail. The court heard details of the alleged operation. Read the latest.
Cairns tobacco shops raided under new laws
Queensland police have raided and shut down multiple illicit tobacco shops in Cairns using tough new state laws. Discover the impact on organised crime.
Alleged tobacco figure's luxury SUV seized, bail delayed
Maytham Hamad, brother of exiled kingpin Kazem, has his Mercedes G-Wagon confiscated and bail hearing pushed to February. Police allege a multi-state illicit tobacco and money laundering network.
Teen accused in WA cocaine plot seeks bail
Seth Spiteri, 19, battles for bail after being charged over alleged 525kg cocaine import operation off Lancelin coast. His mother offers $50,000 surety.
Man accused of cocaine trafficking near Canberra school
A 23-year-old Bonner man faces drug trafficking charges after police allegedly found 37 grams of cocaine and weapons near Gungahlin College. He remains in custody.
SA Prison Drug Crisis: 70% Report Pre-Conviction Use
Shocking data reveals over 70% of SA prisoners used illicit drugs before conviction. Ex-inmate Merlin Faber demands reform in rehabilitation programs. Read his powerful story.
Ozempic tested for alcohol addiction treatment in Australia
Groundbreaking international trial testing if weight loss medications can treat alcohol addiction and liver disease. Australian researchers report promising early results.
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