AN 18-year-old man has been charged over alleged offences at a tobacco store in Ballajura as part of a statewide police operation targeting the illicit cigarette and vape trade.
The WA Police established Taskforce Maverick on November 24, 2025 in response to offences linked to the sale and supply of illegal tobacco and e-cigarette products.
Police allege the Gosnells man was involved in three separate incidents at tobacco stores in Ballajura, Beechboro and Rockingham.
He has been charged with one count of aggravated burglary, one count of criminal damage by fire and two counts of criminal damage or destruction of property.
Bail was refused and he is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on March 13.
Police said the investigation forms part of a broader effort to disrupt organised crime groups involved in importing and distributing illicit tobacco products.
Since Taskforce Maverick was formed, 19 people have been charged with a total of 65 offences.
In a separate operation on February 6, detectives from the Serious and Organised Crime Division executed a search warrant at a unit on Focal Way in Bayswater.
Officers seized more than 3.9 million cigarettes, 3900 vapes and 288 kilograms of loose tobacco, which police estimate has a retail value of about $4.5 million.
Also on February 6, a 15-year-old from Belmont was arrested following an alleged evade police incident in a stolen Toyota Hilux intercepted on Phoenix Road in Bibra Lake.
He has been charged with aggravated armed robbery, stealing a motor vehicle, reckless driving to escape police pursuit, aggravated fail to stop, no authority to drive, possession of an edged weapon, two counts of criminal damage and two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
He was remanded in custody and is due to appear before the Perth Children’s Court on February 20.
A 17-year-old from Queens Park and a 23-year-old from Clarkson have also been charged in relation to the Rockingham matter.
Detective Superintendent Rob Scantlebury said the taskforce remained focused on disrupting serious organised crime groups.
“Public safety isn’t optional – it’s the standard our community deserves,” he said.
Investigations are ongoing.
