General News
3 December, 2023
Police raid Warrack store in tobacco bust
Police have raided tobacco stores in Warracknabeal, Horsham and Nhill targeting the operations of outlaw mortorcycle gangs.
Local police also searched stores in Stawell and Ararat as part of a statewide crackdown on the illicit tobacco trade.
A total of seven people were arrested, with police seizing more than 134,000 illicit cigarettes, 43kg of loose tobacco and 3655 vapes from the businesses, believed to be valued at over $350,000. They also seized a Taser and a baton.
Among those arrested was a 40-year-old Williamstown man who police will allege was delivering illicit tobacco to a Horsham store last Thursday.
His vehicle was then searched and illicit tobacco, e-cigarettes and $40,000 cash was seized.
The raids were part of a coordinated operation by the Victorian Police Viper Taskforce, under the umbrella of the Taskforce Lunar investigation.
The Viper Taskforce has conducted more than 60 searches of tobacco stores across the state since the beginning of October.
Police believe fierce competition in the illicit tobacco market has led to conflict between criminal syndicates, including Middle Eastern Organised Crime groups and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, including the Finks.
They say this involves both the placement of illicit tobacco into stores, as well as demands for stores to sell the product and to pay a weekly “tax” to operate.
Acting Commander Jason Kelly of the Victoria Police Crime Command said while hundreds of outlets across the state were selling illicit tobacco, it was dangerous to make assumptions of guilt, because many may be victims of standover tactics.
The conflict has led to more than 30 incidents over the past eight months, mainly arson or attempted arson linked to tobacco stores in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
In most cases, no one was present at the businesses when they were set on fire. Police said no one was physically injured during the fires - with the exception of several offenders who had set themselves alight.
“There has been an immense focus on illicit tobacco and associated offending here in Victoria, particularly in relation to the reckless and dangerous arson attacks and firearms related violence,” Acting Commander Kelly said.
“Regional areas are certainly not immune to this type of offending and those committing these offences in rural locations will absolutely face the same scrutiny."
The taskforce is working closely with regional police.
Investigators continue to appeal to anyone, especially store owners and staff, who has information about these incidents to come forward.
Anyone with information about these incidents or with further information about illicit tobacco is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au