Western Australia's crackdown on violent crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade has resulted in 11 people being charged with a total of 51 offences, as police reveal alleged foot soldiers are being recruited with promises of payment that never materialise.
Low-Level Criminals Left Unpaid for Dangerous Acts
Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan McGuggon, from the WA Police Serious and Organised Crime Division, provided a stark update on Monday, detailing the work of Taskforce Maverick. The specialised unit was established in November last year following a series of shootings and firebombings targeting businesses associated with the illegal cigarette and vape trade.
"Our investigators have established that in every case, every person we have charged, they've been paid the grand total of nothing," Det. Sen-Sgt McGuggon stated. He explained that alleged offenders were lured by criminal syndicates with promises of payment to carry out serious crimes like extortion, only to be left empty-handed.
"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that getting paid $0 to go to jail for a very long time is not a very good deal," he warned.
Pressure Builds for Tougher Shopfront Laws
The police announcement comes amid growing pressure on the WA Government to introduce legislation that would grant authorities the power to forcibly shut down storefronts caught selling illicit tobacco and vapes for extended periods.
Currently, enforcement against the sale of these products rests with Department of Health compliance officers, who can only issue fines. Critics, including the opposition and experts, argue this is an ineffective deterrent that creates a vacuum for organised crime to exploit.
This pressure is compounded by revelations that the department completed its lowest number of compliance checks in several years during 2025, despite the surge in related violent crime.
Other states, including Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia, passed laws last year allowing for larger fines and forced closures. A WA Government spokesperson has previously committed to introducing "the toughest in the country" legislation when ready.
Taskforce Maverick's Relentless Pursuit
Det. Sen-Sgt McGuggon was adamant that the taskforce is well-resourced and determined to pursue those responsible. "The criminal syndicates that use these stand over attack tactics have no honour," he said, sending a clear message to potential recruits: "They won't pay you, and we will find you and arrest you."
The 51 charges laid so far include serious offences such as:
- Criminal damage by fire (arson)
- Burglary and stealing
- Drug offences
- Traffic offences
Among those charged is a 14-year-old boy, who remains in custody, accused of setting fire to a Baldivis convenience store in December after allegedly being recruited by organised crime figures.
Taskforce Maverick is also investigating a fire that tragically destroyed a Bunbury beauty salon in early January, which started after a neighbouring convenience store was firebombed. Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
While police focus on the violent criminal conduct, the regulation of the illicit products themselves remains a separate challenge, highlighting the multi-faceted battle against a trade fuelling significant harm in the community.
