South Australia has enacted the country’s toughest penalties targeting the illicit tobacco and vape trade.
Under the new legislation, people caught with a large commercial quantity of illegal tobacco or vapes face fines of up to $2.1 million for a first offence and $4.2 million for subsequent offences. Corporations risk even steeper penalties of up to $6.6 million for repeat breaches.
Andrea Michaels, Minister for Small and Family Business, said illicit tobacco shops are not welcome in South Australia.
“Anyone who facilitates the sale of illegal tobacco by allowing a premise to be used will now also face severe penalties. It is largely organised crime behind the illicit tobacco trade and the Malinauskas Government is taking strong action to disrupt their business model.”
The crackdown defines commercial quantities as:
- 5,000 cigarettes or 5kg of tobacco
- 100 e-cigarettes
- 200 prescribed products (e.g. nicotine pouches)
Large commercial quantities are:
- 25,000 cigarettes or 25kg of tobacco
- 500 e-cigarettes or other prescribed products
Police can now conduct general drug detection operations and random searches for weapons and explosives at locations suspected of involvement with illicit tobacco or vapes. New offences have also been introduced, including penalties for people who knowingly allow a premises to be used for illegal sales.
Minister Michaels can now issue short-term closure orders of up to 28 days, while long-term closure powers through the courts have been extended to a maximum of 12 months.
Stephen Mullighan, Treasurer, said this Government is cracking down on the illicit tobacco trade.
“We have given police greater powers and increased the penalties to try and stamp out illegal activity. These new penalties will send a clear message to criminals that their behaviour will not be tolerated.”
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If the was a fairer excise. This would not be a problem. Now people will be back to not affording rent.
What a farce. This is nothing but an exercise in authoritarianism. Shame on you Peter. You turned out to be a dud.
They’re only cracking down on it because the government are loosing money by people looking for cheap alternatives. Stop being greedy and drop prices and there wouldn’t be a need for it. Illegal tobacco isn’t the problem the government is, end of story.
And we actually believe this will make a difference???? the crooks have already preplanned for this by putting in people to sell their products who have no money or assets to their name. taking even further, they are paying 80 year old in cash to sell their products. don’t think they will go to jail for not paying a fine…… but wait… there’s more…. deliveries to your door step via SMS or on line orders are becoming common practice.
Why, because the Government will miss out on their ridiculous rate of Taxes? What an absolute joke the Government of Australia is. Too busy lining their own Pockets with Tax payers money..
My comment goes against the government and you delete my post, absolutely Pathetic. Media bought and censored by Political agendas… what a joke.