Perth Police Denounce Melbourne’s Tobacco Wars After Midland Firebombing

 

A man deliberately set fire to a tobacco shop in Midland, Perth, marking a concerning escalation that authorities say echoes the violent turf wars seen in Melbourne’s illicit tobacco trade.

Last Wednesday night, at approximately 2:30 AM on Tuohy Lane, a vehicle was intentionally driven into Famous Tobacco Shop, causing extensive damage. Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Elliott detailed the harrowing scene, stating, “The individual poured petrol around the vehicle and into the shop before igniting the fire.”

In the chaotic aftermath, the perpetrator inadvertently set himself ablaze. “When he lit the fire, he’s set himself on fire as well, so he’s run from the shop and managed to extinguish his flames as he ran,” Elliott explained.

Residents in the Midland area expressed shock and fear over the incident, highlighting the suddenness and brutality of the attack. Local businesses are now on high alert, fearing potential retaliation or copycat actions.

Melbourne’s Tobacco Wars: A Warning to Perth

The term “tobacco wars” refers to the intense and often violent competition among organized crime groups involved in the illicit tobacco trade in Melbourne. Over the past two years, this conflict has led to approximately 100 firebombings and a significant increase in related violence.

Key Aspects of Melbourne’s Tobacco Wars

Aspect	Melbourne Scenario	Perth Situation
Number of Firebombings	100 in two years	1 recent incident
Primary Culprits	Major crime players in illicit tobacco trade	Currently unidentified
Nature of Conflict	Turf battles leading to widespread violence	Emerging concerns following Midland event
Law Enforcement Response	Ongoing crackdown efforts	Immediate investigation and warning

Elliott warned that Perth will not tolerate the spillover of Melbourne’s violent conflicts. “The police are not going to allow the tobacco wars plaguing Melbourne to find their way to Perth,” he asserted. In response to the Midland incident, WA Police have offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual responsible.

Community and Police Collaboration Essential

Preventing the spread of such violent conflicts requires a unified effort between law enforcement and the community. WA Police emphasize the importance of vigilance and reporting any suspicious activities related to the illicit tobacco trade.

Steps for Community Involvement:

• Stay Informed: Keep up with local news and updates from WA Police.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Contact authorities if you notice unusual behavior around tobacco shops.
• Support Local Businesses: Encourage safe practices and solidarity among local merchants.
• Promote Awareness: Participate in community meetings and discussions about preventing organized crime.

Elliott reiterated the significance of community support in safeguarding Perth from becoming another hotspot for the illicit tobacco trade. “We need everyone’s cooperation to ensure that these violent turf wars do not take root in our city,” he emphasized.

Broader Implications for Law Enforcement

The Midland firebombing highlights the broader challenges law enforcement faces in combating organized crime. The illicit tobacco trade not only fuels violent conflicts but also undermines the safety and stability of communities.

• Enhanced Surveillance: Increasing monitoring of known illicit tobacco distribution channels.
• Interagency Cooperation: Strengthening partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies to dismantle organized crime networks.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on the dangers of the illicit tobacco trade and encouraging community involvement.

By taking these measures, WA Police aim to disrupt the operations of organized crime groups and prevent the recurrence of such violent incidents.