Taskforce Maverick: 19 Individuals, Including Three Teenagers, Face 65 Charges in Illicit Tobacco Trade
In a significant crackdown on organised crime, 19 people, including three teenagers, have been charged with 65 offences linked to the illicit tobacco trade in Western Australia. This development comes as the State Government prepares to introduce new legislation this week aimed at stamping out the growing black market for tobacco products.
Joint Operation Nets Massive Haul and Multiple Arrests
The charges stem from Taskforce Maverick, a joint operation established in November 2025 between the Department of Health and the WA Police Force. This initiative was launched in response to a series of violent attacks targeting businesses associated with Perth's illicit tobacco trade. Among those charged are a 15-year-old boy from Belmont and a 17-year-old boy from Queens Park, who were allegedly involved in planning an attack on a tobacco and convenience store in Rockingham on February 6.
The 15-year-old allegedly fled from police in a stolen Toyota Hilux before being intercepted in Bibra Lake around midnight. He faces 10 offences, including two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and two counts of criminal damage, and has been remanded in custody. The 17-year-old, arrested at a home in Queens Park, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and one count of failing to obey an order given by an officer. Both will appear in Perth Children’s Court at a later date.
Additionally, a 23-year-old man from Clarkson was arrested over the alleged attack and charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. He has been released on bail and is scheduled to face Perth Magistrates Court on February 20.
Significant Seizures and Further Arrests
On the same day, Serious and Organised Crime detectives conducted a raid on a property in Bayswater, seizing more than 3.9 million cigarettes, 3,900 vapes, and 288kg of loose tobacco. The total retail value of this haul is estimated at approximately $4.5 million. Just days later, on February 12, an 18-year-old man was arrested at a property in Gosnells for his alleged involvement in three separate incidents at tobacco stores in Beechboro, Ballajura, and Rockingham. He faces charges including two counts of criminal damage or destruction of property, one count of aggravated burglary, and one count of criminal damage by fire. Bail was refused, and he will appear in court next month.
Police Vow Relentless Pursuit of Illicit Operations
Detective Superintendent Rob Scantlebury, from the serious and organised crime division, emphasised that police will be "relentless" in their efforts to shut down illicit operations. He issued a stern warning to those involved, stating, "Public safety isn’t optional — it’s the standard our community deserves. Individuals tempted to engage in acts of violence, damaging property and intimidating others need to decide whether it’s worth the risk of going to jail for 25 years to life over vapes and cigarettes."
New Legislation to Introduce Toughest Penalties in Australia
This crackdown coincides with the State Government's announcement of new legislation to be introduced this week, aimed at combating Perth's illicit tobacco trade. Proposed changes to the Tobacco Products Control Act will establish the toughest penalties in the nation for such offences. Under the new laws, the maximum fine for possession of a large quantity of illicit tobacco will increase to $4.2 million for individuals or $21 million for companies, with imprisonment terms of up to 15 years.
The legislation also includes provisions for same-day store closures of 72 hours based on "reasonable suspicion," while the WA Health Director-General will need to approve any orders to close a store for up to 90 days during police investigations.
Government Commitment to Public Safety
Premier Roger Cook, who is set to announce the new legislation on Monday, denied that his government had been slow to act. He affirmed that keeping West Australians safe is his top priority, saying, "The changes are in addition to a range of new measures, including our newly expanded compliance unit which has already seen an increase in seizures of illicit products. Our Government is committed to continuing to update tobacco control legislation to protect Western Australians from these harmful products and to strengthen enforcement measures."
Escalating Criminal Activity Driven by Demand and Loopholes
A WA Police spokesperson highlighted that legal loopholes and rising demand for cheap tobacco have led to an escalation in criminal activity. "Police have observed an escalation in offending by serious organised crime groups and their associates, who continue to import and supply illicit tobacco products to the domestic market," the spokesperson said. "Increased consumer demand for cheap cigarettes and e-cigarettes, combined with regulatory gaps in importation and retail controls, has been exploited by these groups who employ violence, intimidation and extortion tactics against competitors and legitimate vendors."
This comprehensive operation underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities to tackle organised crime and protect community safety in Western Australia.
