Violent Crime Surges in WA Regional Towns Amidst Illegal Tobacco Trade

Community leaders have called on the West Australian government to take concrete action as violence and crime associated with the illegal tobacco trade spreads to the state's Wheatbelt. York — the states' oldest inland European settlement — draws tourists from Perth, an hour's drive away, with its country charm. But less than three days after a convenience store opened in its historic main street, multiple people smashed its windows and caused extensive damage inside. Eight days later a car was deliberately driven into the facade and the shop was set on fire during the same month. Police have linked the shop to illegal tobacco trading. Small town not immune Shire of York President Chris Gibbs said he was shocked by the attacks in the town of about 2,400 people. "It made us realise that these sorts of things can become a challenge for anyone anywhere in Australia or WA," he said. "And we're not immune to that." Mr Gibbs said the fire could have easily spread to nearby shops in the same heritage building. "Thank God it didn't actually take off," he said. "We're talking about old buildings that are all joined together on a lovely main street, so [it is] very troubling to see." Deceiving appearances Police charged a 20-year-old Wilson man over all three incidents. He is due before the Perth Magistrates Court this month. The store appeared to close after the fire. Mr Gibbs said the business applied to open as a convenience store, but the shire soon suspected it was selling more than snacks and essential items. He said the shire was limited in what it could do beyond alerting the health department and police. "Although we're the most visible part of the levels of government, we actually have very little powers," Mr Gibbs said. "Especially in matters like this." Tobacco 'menu' offered Eight stores suspected of selling illegal tobacco and vapes have been attacked across the state in the last three months. Police have pointed to organised criminal syndicates as a suspected factor in the crimes. On Sunday the WA government unveiled a plan to assemble a Department of Health taskforce, made up of retired and current police officers, to help stamp out illegal tobacco. The state said it would also deploy more staff to the Tobacco Compliance Unit, doubling inspector capacity. In Geraldton, about 425 kilometres north of Perth, a convenience store advertises "smoke & accessories", alongside a smashed window. Inside, the ABC saw the display and sale of tobacco products. Reporters were also offered a menu-like document of the "puffs" and cigarettes available, along with their prices. Similar story, different town Back in the Wheatbelt, a convenience store in Northam, 35km north of York, was raided by police last month. Transnational Serious and Organised Crime detectives allegedly found and seized a "large amount" of tobacco products, including vapes, from the store on Fitzgerald Street. The shop was next door to a youth mental health facility. A 26-year-old man from Langford was charged and is due to appear before the Northam Magistrates Court on January 27. Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Baker said the seizure showed WA Police was committed to dismantling organised crime operations. "Serious offences that fuel criminal networks, such as illicit tobacco distribution, pose a significant threat to community safety," he said. Senior Sergeant Baker said the department of health regulated illicit tobacco in WA, but police intervened when criminal conduct was detected or the community was at risk. 'Outside problems' in country towns Shire of Northam president Chris Antonio said alleged illicit tobacco vendors surfacing in regional areas were bringing "outside problems" with them. "It puts the members of the community at risk. We've seen what's happened in other country towns and cities where there are attacks, there's fire bombings," he said. Mr Antonio said, like York, all the shire could do was pass complaints onto authorities. He said the new measures were a "good first step" but WA urgently needed thorough legislation modelled off the experiences of other states and territories. The state government said changes to the Tobacco Products Control Act, which would see WA have some of the strongest penalties in the country, were being drafted. Changes are expected to include giving authorities powers to shut down stores selling illicit tobacco, as already implemented in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. A WA Health spokesperson said state and federal agencies collaborated to tackle illegal tobacco and vapes. They said the health department used the full range of powers available to it. In 2025, WA Health conducted 904 inspections on tobacconists and convenience stores, down from the 1,527 inspections carried out in 2023, and 1,226 in 2024.