Cracking Down on Illicit Tobacco Trade: New Laws and Cold Case Investigations Unveiled in WA
The state government has introduced new laws to combat the illegal tobacco and vape trade, with hefty penalties for offenders. The proposed changes include fines of up to $4.2 million for individuals and $21 million for companies, as well as 15 years imprisonment. Store closure orders of up to 90 days will also be implemented to prevent businesses from operating while under investigation. Premier Roger Cook emphasized the importance of these laws in cracking down on "tobacco thugs" and disrupting criminal activities related to illicit products. Police Minister Reece Whitby highlighted the impact of the illicit tobacco trade on WA businesses and the need for tougher laws to combat organized crime networks.
In other news, reporter Hannah Murphy delves into a cold case involving the murder of Gwen Graham, which has remained unsolved for over 50 years. Graham was last seen at a Balga pub in the 1970s before her body was discovered nine days later. The case has been under investigation by WA Police's cold case unit, shedding light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death. Additionally, former grand slam doubles champion and Olympic medallist Alicia Molik has been appointed as the new sports presenter for 9News Perth, succeeding Matthew Pavlich.
These developments underscore the ongoing efforts to address criminal activities related to illicit tobacco and vaping products, as well as the commitment to solving long-standing cold cases and bringing new talent to the forefront of sports reporting in Perth. Stay tuned for more updates on these stories and other breaking news in the coming days.