THE Cook government is introducing tough new laws to stamp out the dangerous illicit tobacco and vape trade.

Amendments to the Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 will see WA have some of the strongest penalties in Australia.

The changes will significantly strengthen compliance and enforcement options and ensure Western Australia’s laws are robust and responsive to the evolving illegal tobacco and vape trade.

Under the proposed legislation changes, the maximum penalty for possession of a large commercial quantity of illicit tobacco and vaping products will be $4.2 million for an individual or $21m for a company, and 15 years imprisonment.

Store closure orders of up to 90 days will also be introduced, ensuring businesses supplying illegal products will not be able to operate while investigations take place.

Western Australia’s orders will be amongst the toughest in the nation and provide compliance officers with a key enforcement mechanism to shut down businesses found to be selling illicit tobacco and vaping products.

This Bill is Tranche 1 of a multi-stage approach to reforms, with Tranche 2 further tightening licencing, and introducing long term closures of up to 12 months.

The Cook government will continue using every available measure to disrupt illegal tobacco and vape supply and the proposed new laws will provide timely additional powers for the expanded Tobacco and Vape Compliance Unit.

Premier Roger Cook said keeping Western Australians safe was his government’s priority.

“Let me be very clear: these tobacco thugs must be stopped.

“New legislation being introduced this week will help crush the dangerous illegal tobacco and vape trade - and drive criminals out of business.

“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.”

Health Minister Meredith Hammat said the dangerous trade had absolutely no place in Western Australia.

“We’ve looked at what is working in other jurisdictions, and how we can replicate and expand on that to ensure our laws keep Western Australians safe.

“Our changes will significantly strengthen enforcement now and enable a strong state-wide response from WA Health’s expanded tobacco and vape compliance unit.

“We’re prioritising community safety now with these new laws, and I look forward to introducing further measures focused on public health, licensing and administrative matters in the second tranche of amendments later this year.”

Police Minister Reece Whitby said over the summer multiple businesses were targeted by organised crime networks - and police were doing everything they can to bring them down.