South Australia is stepping up its fight against illegal tobacco and vape sales with some of the toughest penalties in the country, thanks to new legislation passed by the State Parliament last night.
Stricter Penalties Unveiled in New Legislation
The Malinauskas Labor Government is doubling down on efforts to tackle the illicit tobacco and vape market. The new laws significantly ramp up the fines imposed on businesses caught selling these illegal products.
Key Penalty Increases for Corporations
| Offence | Previous Fine | First Offence Fine | Subsequent Offence Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising tobacco products | $10,000 | $750,000 | $1,100,000 |
| Selling without a licence | $20,000 | $750,000 | $1,100,000 |
| Sales to a minor | $20,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Sales or possession of illicit tobacco | $50,000 | $750,000 | $1,100,000 |
| Sale or possession of prohibited e-cigarettes | N/A | $750,000 | $1,100,000 |
These hefty fines are designed to send a clear message that the state is serious about cracking down on illegal sales. It’s a big leap from the previous penalties and aims to deter businesses from engaging in these unlawful activities.
Ministerial Powers to Shut Down Illicit Shops
The new legislation doesn’t stop at just fines. It grants ministers the authority to close down illicit tobacco shops swiftly.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Elliott highlighted the importance of these powers, stating, “We can now act quickly to shut down operations that are blatantly illegal and pose a threat to our communities.”
How the Shutdown Process Works
- Initial Order: 72-hour closure period
- Extension: Up to six months with magistrate approval
- Penalties for Violations: Up to $1.1 million for businesses and $700,000 for individuals
This streamlined process ensures that illegal operations are dealt with efficiently, minimizing the time these businesses can continue their activities.
Operation Eclipse: Cracking Down on Criminal Networks
The introduction of these laws coincides with SAPOL’s Operation Eclipse, an initiative targeting the criminal networks behind the illicit tobacco and vape trade.
“We’re pulling out all the stops,” Elliott remarked. “Operation Eclipse is about dismantling the networks that fuel this illegal market and preventing further violence and arson attacks.”
The operation has already made significant strides, with $4.4 million worth of illicit products seized since July. This success is partly due to the collaboration between SAPOL and Consumer and Business Services, as well as partnerships with Victoria Police and Border Force.
Taskforce Achievements and Future Plans
The Malinauskas Government has invested $16 million into a dedicated taskforce within Consumer and Business Services. This team is at the forefront of the battle against illegal tobacco and vape sales.
Notable Accomplishments:
- Seizures: $4.4 million in illicit products since July
- Investigations: Ongoing efforts to uncover and dismantle criminal networks
- Intelligence Sharing: Enhanced cooperation with other agencies to boost enforcement
“We’re not backing down,” the government affirmed. “Our commitment is unwavering in ensuring that illegal tobacco and vape dealers are brought to justice and that our communities remain safe.”
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to illicit tobacco or vape sales through the official website: www.cbs.sa.gov.au/tobacco.
Michael Brown is a seasoned journalist with a knack for uncovering compelling stories within the realm of cannabis. Through his investigative reporting and in-depth analysis, he sheds light on the regulatory challenges, market trends, and societal impacts of the burgeoning cannabis industry. Michael’s commitment to objective journalism and ethical reporting makes him a trusted voice in providing readers with balanced and informative articles about this rapidly evolving landscape.
