Teen boys among those charged over alleged plan to attack Rockingham tobacco store

Two teenage boys are among those charged over an alleged plan to attack a tobacco store in Rockingham.

A 15-year-old boy from Belmont was arrested on Friday, February 6 following a police chase that ended on Phoenix Road in Bibra Lake.

The boy was allegedly driving a stolen Toyota Hilux.

His charges include two counts of conspiracy to commit an indicatable offence, two counts of criminal damage and one count each of aggravated armed robbery, stealing a motor vehicle and possessing an edged weapon, along with several driving offences.

On the same day, a 17-year-old boy was arrested at a home in Queens Park for his alleged involvement in the planning of the Rockingham convenience and tobacco store attack.

Both boys will appear before the Perth Children's Court at a later date.

A 23-year-old Clarkson man has also been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice over the alleged planned attack.

He is due to appear in the Joondalup Magistrates Court on February 25.

Detectives also carried out a search at a unit on Focal Way in Bayswater on February 6 where they allegedly uncovered more than 3.9 million cigarettes, 3900 vapes and 288 kilograms of loose tobacco.

The total retail value of these items is about $4.5 million dollars. 

On Thursday, February 12, an 18-year-old man was arrested at a home in Gosnells for his alleged involvement in three separate incidents at tobacco stores in Beechboro, Ballajura and Rockingham.

He has been charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage by fire and two counts of criminal damage or destruction of property.

The arrests come under Taskforce Maverick which was established in response to fire bombings and robberies targeting outlets involved in the sale and supply of illicit tobacco and vape products.

Since November 24, 19 people have been charged with a total of 65 offences as part of the operation.

"Police have observed an escalation in offending by serious organised crime groups and their associates, who continue to import and supply illicit tobacco products to the domestic market," a WA Police spokesperson said.

"Increased consumer demand for cheap cigarettes and e‑cigarettes, combined with regulatory gaps in importation and retail controls, has been exploited by these groups who employ violence, intimidation and extortion tactics against competitors and legitimate vendors."

"The Western Australia Police Force remains committed to identifying, disrupting and targeting serious organised crime groups whose activities cause significant harm to the Western Australian community."

Detective Superintendent Rob Scantlebury of the Serious and Organised Crime Squad said they remain committed to identifying, disrupting and targeting serious organised crime groups whose activities cause significant harm to the Western Australian community

“Public safety isn’t optional – it’s the standard our community deserves. We will be relentless in our efforts to shut these operations down and hold those involved accountable by putting them before the courts," he said.

“Individuals tempted to engage in acts of violence, damaging property and intimidating others need to decide whether it’s worth the risk of going to jail for twenty-five years to life over vapes and cigarettes.”

On Monday, the State Government announced tough new laws to stamp out the illicit tobacco and vape trade.

The proposed changes, to be introduced into parliament on Tuesday, will see a maximum penalty of $4.2 million for a person in possession of a large commercial quantity of tobacco or vaping products or $21 million 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. 

“Keeping Western Australians safe is my government’s priority," Premier Roger Cook said.

“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."