[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fE4z4icIb-T9CGriUtag3QPRL49wDeEnOgigK-FMH5a4":3,"$fjLjPJ3MVBb0r8dUjPlP2S-5dW_NKerfzOU-Bd6Cfk24":7609},{"incidents":4,"sample":7608},[5,24,39,54,64,86,99,119,135,147,162,175,187,196,206,231,241,253,270,284,306,318,335,347,363,372,381,391,404,417,427,438,455,467,479,492,504,517,532,541,558,566,572,580,593,606,632,640,647,660,668,680,687,693,714,727,741,751,760,768,777,784,794,801,813,840,849,858,869,885,896,905,923,928,966,974,990,1002,1012,1018,1030,1042,1050,1058,1069,1080,1089,1103,1117,1126,1137,1156,1162,1170,1181,1186,1199,1210,1229,1236,1245,1257,1272,1283,1297,1310,1334,1346,1356,1364,1371,1379,1390,1404,1426,1437,1460,1476,1489,1497,1505,1516,1530,1553,1562,1571,1584,1597,1605,1616,1635,1652,1660,1666,1679,1687,1697,1713,1728,1735,1743,1763,1771,1779,1786,1795,1800,1805,1817,1828,1836,1845,1857,1864,1882,1898,1905,1914,1928,1940,1948,1959,1971,1980,1990,2000,2008,2016,2023,2031,2040,2056,2073,2085,2091,2099,2107,2116,2126,2141,2157,2165,2170,2187,2195,2212,2224,2247,2267,2277,2296,2303,2308,2315,2327,2334,2345,2357,2362,2372,2384,2396,2412,2421,2432,2438,2453,2462,2470,2478,2488,2498,2510,2516,2524,2535,2544,2554,2564,2572,2588,2606,2626,2639,2651,2659,2670,2681,2686,2696,2705,2718,2728,2736,2743,2755,2763,2773,2787,2798,2806,2816,2827,2838,2850,2866,2884,2898,2906,2917,2930,2938,2949,2961,2971,2986,2998,3012,3024,3035,3043,3054,3066,3072,3086,3102,3108,3119,3130,3138,3148,3159,3166,3176,3197,3210,3218,3226,3237,3249,3257,3262,3273,3282,3298,3313,3320,3332,3342,3348,3363,3371,3382,3390,3398,3410,3419,3427,3433,3444,3456,3464,3476,3486,3497,3508,3518,3526,3540,3551,3566,3574,3585,3597,3603,3615,3623,3632,3653,3658,3669,3675,3693,3710,3720,3733,3742,3748,3764,3806,3815,3831,3846,3857,3871,3889,3902,3918,3930,3944,3954,3965,3973,3984,3995,4003,4012,4022,4037,4046,4058,4070,4084,4096,4104,4119,4131,4142,4152,4161,4170,4176,4186,4199,4208,4219,4227,4240,4251,4268,4284,4292,4310,4327,4341,4350,4363,4376,4390,4400,4412,4420,4429,4444,4456,4472,4483,4496,4521,4532,4539,4547,4562,4572,4592,4601,4614,4627,4637,4649,4661,4668,4679,4695,4704,4718,4725,4744,4759,4765,4779,4790,4808,4823,4840,4851,4862,4868,4880,4893,4904,4913,4926,4932,4941,4957,4963,4979,4990,5004,5013,5028,5036,5047,5062,5078,5090,5104,5109,5116,5122,5142,5153,5161,5179,5185,5193,5209,5221,5236,5252,5264,5272,5283,5295,5305,5318,5329,5343,5354,5363,5376,5391,5399,5406,5419,5437,5444,5451,5461,5475,5486,5500,5515,5525,5533,5541,5548,5567,5575,5587,5601,5615,5621,5635,5640,5646,5653,5663,5672,5681,5689,5701,5708,5718,5728,5736,5746,5758,5765,5779,5789,5800,5810,5822,5834,5848,5857,5867,5873,5898,5903,5911,5922,5933,5947,5956,5967,5978,5987,5993,6003,6016,6022,6035,6050,6060,6069,6079,6087,6108,6117,6129,6141,6156,6170,6189,6204,6216,6229,6235,6242,6247,6260,6276,6295,6304,6312,6320,6335,6343,6352,6362,6367,6384,6390,6397,6403,6423,6430,6435,6446,6458,6468,6476,6483,6495,6503,6513,6521,6535,6554,6571,6579,6594,6603,6612,6625,6632,6643,6658,6666,6675,6684,6694,6700,6707,6713,6725,6740,6754,6763,6775,6782,6790,6804,6817,6833,6847,6853,6859,6866,6876,6882,6889,6903,6923,6931,6939,6948,6960,6965,6972,6984,6992,7003,7012,7024,7035,7048,7060,7070,7081,7090,7124,7138,7148,7157,7181,7187,7201,7210,7227,7243,7255,7266,7281,7290,7298,7308,7318,7327,7336,7342,7352,7358,7365,7377,7390,7400,7407,7414,7423,7430,7437,7447,7461,7482,7488,7504,7516,7525,7535,7544,7552,7563,7583,7596],{"id":6,"occurred_on":7,"incident_type":8,"title":9,"summary":10,"lat":11,"lng":12,"location_precision":13,"suburb":14,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":17,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":20},1,"2015-11-02","court","Court case over illegal tobacco growing operation in Moorabool","A man pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to producing and manufacturing tobacco without authorisation, after a fire at a rural Geelong-Ballan Road property (Moorabool) in January 2014 led police to an illegal chop-chop growing operation of around 35,000 tobacco plants, yielding roughly 4,361kg of dried tobacco. Police allege the illicit tobacco was destined for sale untaxed, with an estimated $2.2 million in lost excise. The sentencing judge said she believed the accused had not acted alone.",-37.5833,144.2333,"suburb","Ballan","VIC",null,"low",0,"published",[21],{"id":6,"url":22,"outlet":23,"published_on":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fsbs.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvic-man-illegally-produced-tobacco-court","SBS News",{"id":25,"occurred_on":26,"incident_type":27,"title":28,"summary":29,"lat":30,"lng":31,"location_precision":13,"suburb":32,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":17,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":34},2,"2016-06-15","other","Tobacco company executive attacked in botched kidnap attempt","Police allege a tobacco company executive, who had been assisting law enforcement against tobacco smuggling, was attacked by three assailants outside a Sydney residence in what was described as a botched kidnap attempt; the victim fought off the attackers and was hospitalised. The attack was linked to the executive's support for police efforts against the illegal tobacco trade.",-33.8688,151.2093,"Sydney","NSW",[35],{"id":25,"url":36,"outlet":37,"published_on":38},"https:\u002F\u002Fintpolicydigest.org\u002F2016\u002F08\u002F27\u002Faustralia-s-cigarette-wars-turn-violent","International Policy Digest","2016-08-27",{"id":40,"occurred_on":41,"incident_type":42,"title":43,"summary":44,"lat":45,"lng":46,"location_precision":13,"suburb":47,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":49},3,"2016-12-09","raid","Tahmoor illegal tobacco crop seized and destroyed","ATO investigators, assisted by NSW Police, executed warrants at a rural property in Tahmoor and seized and destroyed 114,000 illegal tobacco seedlings with an estimated excise value of $8.7 million, amid growing organised-crime involvement in illicit tobacco cultivation.",-34.199,150.5988,"Tahmoor","verified",[50],{"id":40,"url":51,"outlet":52,"published_on":53},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theland.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F4621413\u002Fillegal-tobacco-scourge\u002F","The Land","2017-04-26",{"id":55,"occurred_on":56,"incident_type":42,"title":57,"summary":58,"lat":59,"lng":60,"location_precision":13,"suburb":61,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":62},4,"2017-03-22","Shannon's Flat illegal tobacco crop destroyed near Cooma","ATO and NSW Police executed a warrant at a property at Shannon's Flat, north-west of Cooma, destroying a 92,000-plant illegal tobacco crop over 26.3 acres, along with 2,120kg of leaf tobacco and $15,000 cash. Excise value was estimated at $11.77 million; police noted large criminal networks were increasingly financing illicit tobacco growing operations.",-36.235,149.125,"Cooma",[63],{"id":40,"url":51,"outlet":52,"published_on":53},{"id":65,"occurred_on":66,"incident_type":67,"title":68,"summary":69,"lat":70,"lng":71,"location_precision":13,"suburb":72,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":73},566,"2018-08-13","arrest","Six charged over alleged $11 million illicit-tobacco and money-laundering operation in Templestowe","Police allege an organised crime network imported about 2.5 million illegal cigarettes and laundered more than $11 million over roughly six months. Six people were arrested and charged after AFP and Australian Border Force raids on a Templestowe home in Melbourne's north-east and a warehouse in Notting Hill, with nearly $1 million in cash seized.",-37.753994,145.14789,"Templestowe",[74,78,82],{"id":75,"url":76,"outlet":77,"published_on":16},615,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ntnews.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fnational\u002Fauthorities-bust-alleged-suburban-tobacco-smuggling-money-laundering-ring-in-templestowe\u002Fnews-story\u002Ff0db97aa9a7fb416df3f0a2594f4cf36","NT News",{"id":79,"url":80,"outlet":81,"published_on":16},616,"https:\u002F\u002Faacs.org.au\u002Fsix-arrested-and-1-million-in-cash-seized-following-operation-in-melbourne\u002F","AACS",{"id":83,"url":84,"outlet":85,"published_on":16},617,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.smh.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Ffamily-affair-six-charged-in-tobacco-raids-20180816-h1432e.html","Sydney Morning Herald",{"id":87,"occurred_on":88,"incident_type":89,"title":90,"summary":91,"lat":92,"lng":93,"location_precision":13,"suburb":94,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":95},5,"2018-09-11","ram_raid","Tobacco shop ram-raided at St Helena Market Place","Police allege unknown offenders used a car to force open the security bars protecting a tobacco shop at St Helena Market Place Shopping Centre about 4.25am and stole an unknown quantity of tobacco; a stolen ute linked to the raid was found dumped and ablaze nearby on Yan Yean Road, Plenty.",-37.689728,145.12967,"St Helena",[96],{"id":55,"url":97,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fdumped-stolen-car-linked-to-tobacco-store-ram-raid\u002Fnews-story\u002F2d5ddaf084b06e416b6048b31513e90d","news.com.au",{"id":100,"occurred_on":101,"incident_type":67,"title":102,"summary":103,"lat":104,"lng":105,"location_precision":13,"suburb":32,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":106},565,"2019-05-21","Eight charged as alleged illicit-tobacco importation operation dismantled in Sydney's south-west","Detectives investigating terrorism funding uncovered what police allege was an organised-crime operation importing illicit tobacco and laundering the profits. Police executed search warrants across homes and businesses in Sydney's south-west, seized illicit tobacco (reported as several tonnes), cash and luxury goods, and charged eight men. Police said profits from organised crime are often redirected into further criminal activity.",-33.86873,151.20695,[107,111,115],{"id":108,"url":109,"outlet":110,"published_on":16},612,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fcrime\u002Fterrorism-squad-dismantles-illicit-tobacco-syndicate-in-sydney-c-124485","7News",{"id":112,"url":113,"outlet":114,"published_on":16},613,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.acic.gov.au\u002Fmedia-centre\u002Fmedia-releases-and-statements\u002Forganised-criminal-syndicate-dismantled-terrorism-investigation-squad","ACIC",{"id":116,"url":117,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},614,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Forganised-criminal-syndicate-dismantled-by-terrorism-investigation-squad\u002F","Mirage News",{"id":120,"occurred_on":121,"incident_type":42,"title":122,"summary":123,"lat":124,"lng":125,"location_precision":13,"suburb":126,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":127},6,"2020-03-01","Nhill illicit tobacco seizure","Early in March 2020, the ATO and Victoria Police seized and destroyed approximately 47.5 tonnes of illicit tobacco at Nhill in western Victoria, with an estimated excise value of about $7.8 million, as part of the same enforcement push that led to the Lake Bolac\u002FLandsborough raids. Police allege the operation was linked to organised criminal tobacco-growing networks operating across regional Victoria.",-36.3333,141.65,"Nhill",[128,132],{"id":87,"url":129,"outlet":130,"published_on":131},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fato-victoria-police-and-australian-border-force-continue-to-shut-down-illicit-tobacco-operations\u002F","Mirage News (Victoria Police\u002FATO release)","2020-03-17",{"id":120,"url":133,"outlet":134,"published_on":131},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.standard.net.au\u002Fstory\u002F6683431\u002Ftobacco-bust-uncovers-millions-of-dollars-worth-of-illicit-product\u002F","The Standard (Warrnambool)",{"id":136,"occurred_on":137,"incident_type":42,"title":138,"summary":139,"lat":140,"lng":141,"location_precision":13,"suburb":142,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":143},7,"2020-03-04","Illegal tobacco crop and leaf found on Bigga property","NSW Police and the ATO-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce attended a 48-acre property near Kangaroo Creek, Bigga, finding over 500kg of tobacco leaf drying and an active tobacco crop, with a potential excise value of about $968,000. The property owner said unknown trespassers had used the land while he was away.",-34.2833,149.2833,"Bigga",[144],{"id":136,"url":145,"outlet":146,"published_on":137},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goulburnpost.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F6661464\u002F968000-in-illegal-tobacco-seized-and-destroyed-in-bigga-bust\u002F","Goulburn Post",{"id":148,"occurred_on":149,"incident_type":42,"title":150,"summary":151,"lat":152,"lng":153,"location_precision":13,"suburb":154,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":155},8,"2020-03-13","Lake Bolac and Landsborough illicit tobacco crop raids","The ATO, Victoria Police and Australian Border Force executed search warrants at a property in Lake Bolac, uncovering and destroying 31.4 acres (about 28 tonnes) of mature illicit tobacco with an estimated excise value of roughly $37 million - described as the largest single seizure of the 2019–20 financial year. A related raid at nearby Landsborough uncovered a further roughly 8 acres of tobacco crop plus a processing facility with three active kilns. Police allege the crops were run by organised crime networks rather than individual farmers.",-37.6667,142.85,"Lake Bolac",[156,157,158],{"id":87,"url":129,"outlet":130,"published_on":131},{"id":120,"url":133,"outlet":134,"published_on":131},{"id":148,"url":159,"outlet":160,"published_on":161},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.stockandland.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F6842091\u002F171-million-of-illicit-tobacco-seized-and-destroyed\u002F","Stock & Land","2020-07-21",{"id":163,"occurred_on":164,"incident_type":42,"title":165,"summary":166,"lat":167,"lng":168,"location_precision":13,"suburb":169,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":170},9,"2021-01-13","Operation Bellatrix destroys Bulga tobacco crop near Singleton","A joint Australian Border Force, ATO and NSW Police operation (Operation Bellatrix) executed warrants at a property in Bulga, near Singleton, seizing and destroying 50.3 tonnes of illegal tobacco across roughly 7 acres, plus immature seedlings and planting equipment. Potential excise value exceeded $9.9 million; one man was arrested and charged.",-32.6994,151.1075,"Bulga",[171],{"id":163,"url":172,"outlet":173,"published_on":174},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.newcastleherald.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F7085400\u002Fman-charged-over-tobacco-crop-near-singleton-worth-more-than-99-million\u002F","Newcastle Herald","2021-01-14",{"id":176,"occurred_on":177,"incident_type":42,"title":178,"summary":179,"lat":180,"lng":181,"location_precision":13,"suburb":182,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":183},10,"2021-03-03","Kyalite illegal tobacco crop destroyed in NSW\u002FVictoria border blitz","As part of a two-day, multi-agency Illicit Tobacco Taskforce blitz spanning the NSW\u002FVictoria border, officers located and destroyed 65 acres of illegal tobacco crop (over 183 tonnes) at Kyalite, NSW, with an estimated excise value of about $36 million. Water-theft offences were also investigated at the site.",-34.95,143.6,"Kyalite",[184],{"id":176,"url":185,"outlet":118,"published_on":186},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002F84-3-million-in-illegal-tobacco-seized-along-524563\u002F","2021-03-08",{"id":188,"occurred_on":177,"incident_type":42,"title":189,"summary":190,"lat":191,"lng":192,"location_precision":13,"suburb":193,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":194},11,"Beverford illicit tobacco crop raid","As part of a two-day, multi-agency blitz along the NSW\u002FVictoria border, ATO officers and Victoria Police located and destroyed 29.3 acres of illicit tobacco crop plus processed tobacco bales at a property in Beverford, with a potential excise value of more than $36 million. Police allege the crop was tied to organised crime figures operating tobacco-growing networks across the Murray River border region.",-35.45,143.62,"Beverford",[195],{"id":176,"url":185,"outlet":118,"published_on":186},{"id":197,"occurred_on":198,"incident_type":42,"title":199,"summary":200,"lat":201,"lng":202,"location_precision":13,"suburb":203,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":204},12,"2021-03-04","Vinifera illicit tobacco crop raid","A day after the Beverford raid, ATO officers and Victoria Police attended a property at Vinifera and located roughly 13 acres of illicit tobacco crop, seizing and destroying over 60 tonnes with a potential excise value of about $12 million, as part of the same cross-border enforcement operation. Police allege the crop formed part of a broader organised-crime tobacco-growing network.",-35.4,143.58,"Vinifera",[205],{"id":176,"url":185,"outlet":118,"published_on":186},{"id":207,"occurred_on":208,"incident_type":209,"title":210,"summary":211,"lat":212,"lng":213,"location_precision":13,"suburb":214,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":215},13,"2021-08-03","firebombing","Tobacco store firebombed in Pakenham, fire spreads to neighbouring bookshop","At about 1am, offenders broke into a tobacco store in a Main Street shopping arcade in Pakenham and set it alight using an accelerant; the fire spread and destroyed an adjoining second-hand bookshop as well. Victoria Police treated the blaze as suspicious and later linked it to a wider series of tobacco-store arsons across Melbourne's outer suburbs. This is regarded by police and later reporting as one of the earliest incidents in what became known as Melbourne's tobacco wars.",-38.073,145.4854,"Pakenham",[216,219,223,227],{"id":188,"url":217,"outlet":218,"published_on":208},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3aw.com.au\u002Fpolice-investigate-suspicious-pakenham-shop-fire\u002F","3AW",{"id":220,"url":221,"outlet":222,"published_on":16},14,"https:\u002F\u002Fwrdnews.org\u002Fthe-tobacco-wars-in-melbourne-a-community-under-fire\u002F","WRD News",{"id":197,"url":224,"outlet":225,"published_on":226},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ffive-more-arrested-after-tobacco-store-arsons-748159\u002F","Mirage News (Victoria Police release)","2022-03-22",{"id":207,"url":228,"outlet":229,"published_on":230},"https:\u002F\u002Freason.com\u002F2024\u002F06\u002F17\u002Fthe-deadly-tobacco-drug-war-down-under\u002F","Reason","2024-06-17",{"id":220,"occurred_on":232,"incident_type":209,"title":233,"summary":234,"lat":235,"lng":236,"location_precision":13,"suburb":237,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":238},"2021-08-07","Tobacco store firebombed on Station Road, Deer Park","About 3:15am, two offenders forced entry into a tobacco store on Station Road in Deer Park and set it alight, in an attack police later linked to the same series as the Pakenham fire four days earlier. Victoria Police allege the string of arsons targeting tobacco retailers in Melbourne's west and south-east over 2021–22 caused more than $10 million in combined damage.",-37.7667,144.7667,"Deer Park",[239,240],{"id":197,"url":224,"outlet":225,"published_on":226},{"id":207,"url":228,"outlet":229,"published_on":230},{"id":242,"occurred_on":243,"incident_type":8,"title":244,"summary":245,"lat":246,"lng":247,"location_precision":13,"suburb":248,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":249},15,"2022-01-01","Gold Coast businessman fined over illegal vape sale in Coffs Harbour","Court records from Coffs Harbour show a Gold Coast businessman later linked to a tobacco retail chain pleaded guilty in 2022 to selling a restricted substance, a nicotine vape, and having illicit products visible to the public, and was fined $1,440.",-30.29618,153.11394,"Coffs Harbour",[250],{"id":242,"url":251,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-02-09\u002Fsam-kanjo-linked-to-australias-biggest-illegal-tobacco-fine\u002F106286014","ABC News",{"id":254,"occurred_on":255,"incident_type":256,"title":257,"summary":258,"lat":259,"lng":260,"location_precision":13,"suburb":261,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":262},16,"2022-01-08","arson","Mount Clear tobacco shop destroyed by arson, four arrested","Police allege a man broke into a tobacco store on Geelong Road in Mount Clear on 8 January 2022, poured accelerant throughout the shop and set it alight, causing about $1 million in damage to the store and four neighbouring businesses. Four people were later arrested over alleged arson, aggravated burglary and extortion offences, with detectives investigating a possible link to organised crime.",-37.60607,143.86627,"Mount Clear",[263,266],{"id":254,"url":264,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fcrime-melbourne\u002Fmount-clear-fire-destroys-tobacco-shop-as-victoria-police-release-cctv--c-8320102","7NEWS",{"id":267,"url":268,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},17,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.9news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria-police-seek-man-over-suspicious-mount-clear-fire-cctv-images-released\u002F08f6d4c1-2030-4809-be9f-5e34a03b8a08","9News",{"id":267,"occurred_on":271,"incident_type":89,"title":272,"summary":273,"lat":212,"lng":274,"location_precision":13,"suburb":214,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":275},"2022-01-17","Pakenham tobacconist ram-raided overnight","A vehicle rammed into a tobacco shop on Main Street, Pakenham, in the early hours of the morning, crumpling security gates and smashing glass before offenders ransacked the store. Police said the raid may be linked to a series of similar ram-raids in the area; no arrests were reported at the time.",145.483,[276,280],{"id":277,"url":278,"outlet":279,"published_on":271},18,"https:\u002F\u002Fpakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2022-01-17\u002Ftobacconist-ram-raided-overnight\u002F","Pakenham Officer Star News",{"id":281,"url":282,"outlet":279,"published_on":283},19,"https:\u002F\u002Fpakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2022-01-21\u002Ftobacconist-ram-raided\u002F","2022-01-21",{"id":277,"occurred_on":285,"incident_type":209,"title":286,"summary":287,"lat":288,"lng":289,"location_precision":13,"suburb":290,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":291},"2022-02-09","Harbour Plaza shopping strip firebombed in Patterson Lakes, tobacco shop among businesses destroyed","At about 11:35pm, two people allegedly smashed their way into a shop at the Harbour Plaza shopping precinct on Thompsons Road, poured accelerant inside and set it alight; the fire destroyed four businesses including a tobacconist, with damage estimated at over $8 million. Victoria Police allege the attack was part of the same series of tobacco-industry-linked arsons as the 2021 Pakenham and Deer Park fires. A man from Coburg North and a man from Bundoora were later charged (7 March 2022) with intentionally destroying property by fire, criminal damage by fire, conduct endangering life, burglary and firearm\u002Fbail offences.",-38.05,145.1333,"Patterson Lakes",[292,296,301,305],{"id":293,"url":294,"outlet":225,"published_on":295},20,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-seek-information-after-patterson-lakes-722049\u002F","2022-02-10",{"id":297,"url":298,"outlet":299,"published_on":300},22,"https:\u002F\u002Fbaysidenews.com.au\u002F2022\u002F02\u002F15\u002Ffire-tears-through-patterson-lakes-businesses\u002F","Bayside News","2022-02-15",{"id":302,"url":303,"outlet":225,"published_on":304},21,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-charge-two-men-after-patterson-lakes-fire-737878\u002F","2022-03-07",{"id":197,"url":224,"outlet":225,"published_on":226},{"id":281,"occurred_on":300,"incident_type":42,"title":307,"summary":308,"lat":309,"lng":310,"location_precision":13,"suburb":311,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":312},"Operation Greyhound uncovers $42m illegal tobacco crop at Koraleigh","An ATO-led operation, assisted by Murray River Police District's rural crime team and NSW Police, destroyed a sophisticated illegal tobacco growing operation at Koraleigh in the NSW Riverina - over 250,000kg of tobacco crop across 24 acres, worth an estimated $42 million in forgone excise. A picking machine and water pump were also seized.",-35.3,143.55,"Koraleigh",[313],{"id":314,"url":315,"outlet":316,"published_on":317},23,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.portnews.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F7631052\u002Fsophisticated-operation-tax-office-probe-sniffs-out-42m-illegal-tobacco-crop\u002F","Port Macquarie News","2022-02-22",{"id":293,"occurred_on":226,"incident_type":67,"title":319,"summary":320,"lat":321,"lng":322,"location_precision":323,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":325},"Five arrested over 2021–22 tobacco-store arson series (Pakenham, Deer Park, Patterson Lakes)","On 22 March 2022, Brimbank CIU detectives arrested five more people after search warrants in Craigieburn, Lalor, Bundoora and Wollert, following a series of arson attacks that police said caused more than $10 million damage to tobacco stores and surrounding businesses. The linked incidents were: Main Street Pakenham (about 1am, 3 August 2021); Station Road Deer Park (about 3.15am, 7 August 2021); and Harbour Plaza \u002F Thompsons Road Patterson Lakes (9 February 2022). Two men had already been arrested over Patterson Lakes. This is the main documented multi-store tobacco arson campaign in Melbourne before the March 2023 \"tobacco wars\" explosion.",-37.8136,144.9631,"region","Melbourne",[326,330,334],{"id":327,"url":328,"outlet":329,"published_on":226},24,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.vic.gov.au\u002Ffive-more-arrested-following-tobacco-store-arsons","Victoria Police",{"id":331,"url":332,"outlet":265,"published_on":333},25,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbourne\u002Fshocking-footage-released-of-offenders-setting-fire-to-businesses-across-melbourne-c-5822163","2022-02-24",{"id":197,"url":224,"outlet":225,"published_on":226},{"id":302,"occurred_on":336,"incident_type":42,"title":337,"summary":338,"lat":339,"lng":340,"location_precision":13,"suburb":341,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":343},"2022-06-15","Bundaberg tobacco and vape store raided, operator fined","Police raided a tobacco and vape store in Bundaberg; a business operator was later fined $4,000 for offences including unlawful supply of medicines.",-24.865377,152.3511,"Bundaberg","QLD",[344],{"id":345,"url":346,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},26,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-09-07\u002Fqld-illicit-tobacco-trade-court-records-allegations\u002F105733494",{"id":297,"occurred_on":348,"incident_type":349,"title":350,"summary":351,"lat":352,"lng":353,"location_precision":13,"suburb":354,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":355},"2022-06-25","shooting","Man shot outside funeral in targeted ambush","a man survived being shot at least eight times, four across the chest, in an ambush as he drove in a funeral procession outside Fawkner cemetery; he managed to drive himself to a police station.",-37.707245,144.96701,"Fawkner",[356,360],{"id":357,"url":358,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},27,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fa-man-slept-in-this-melbourne-fight-venue-fearing-it-would-be-targeted-he-was-right-20240726-p5jwui.html","The Age",{"id":361,"url":362,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},28,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fwe-will-hurt-you-in-ways-your-brain-can-t-comprehend-venues-hit-with-10k-extortion-demand-20260521-p5zzd6.html",{"id":314,"occurred_on":364,"incident_type":42,"title":365,"summary":366,"lat":367,"lng":368,"location_precision":13,"suburb":369,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":370},"2022-12-01","Police raid Brisbane-area tobacconist, seize illegal vapes","Police searched a tobacconist and gift store in Deception Bay, north of Brisbane, seizing more than 2,100 illegal nicotine vapes and dozens of hollowed-out plastic knuckledusters. A follow-up search the next day found the store had already been restocked with more than 1,500 additional illegal vapes.",-27.19457,153.02733,"Deception Bay",[371],{"id":345,"url":346,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":327,"occurred_on":373,"incident_type":256,"title":374,"summary":375,"lat":376,"lng":377,"location_precision":13,"suburb":378,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":379},"2023-01-01","Gold Coast tobacco store destroyed in suspected arson","A tobacco store on the Gold Coast was set alight in 2023 in an incident Queensland Police said was under investigation as arson, cited by the retail chain's former director as evidence he had been threatened over the business.",-28.003094,153.41374,"Gold Coast",[380],{"id":242,"url":251,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":331,"occurred_on":373,"incident_type":8,"title":382,"summary":383,"lat":384,"lng":385,"location_precision":13,"suburb":386,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":387},"Strathpine tobacco shop operator fined over illegal vape stash","The operator linked to a Strathpine tobacco and gifts store north of Brisbane faced charges after about 5,000 nicotine-filled illegal vapes were allegedly found in the shop; he pleaded guilty to supplying medicines or hazardous poisons and was fined $4,000.",-27.31064,152.99089,"Strathpine",[388],{"id":389,"url":390,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},29,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-06-27\u002Fdarwin-drug-dealer-atm-illegal-tobacco\u002F105459052",{"id":345,"occurred_on":392,"incident_type":256,"title":393,"summary":394,"lat":395,"lng":396,"location_precision":13,"suburb":397,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":398},"2023-01-03","Helensvale tobacconist broken into and set alight with accelerant","Around 10.45pm on 3 January 2023, three males broke into a Siganto Drive tobacconist in Helensvale, lit a fire with accelerant and fled. Emergency services quickly extinguished the blaze (smoke damage). Queensland Police released CCTV and investigated the targeted tobacconist arson.",-27.906284,153.33492,"Helensvale",[399],{"id":400,"url":401,"outlet":402,"published_on":403},30,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2023\u002F01\u002F04\u002Fupdate-suspicious-fire-investigation-helensvale\u002F","Queensland Police Service","2023-01-04",{"id":405,"occurred_on":406,"incident_type":42,"title":407,"summary":408,"lat":409,"lng":410,"location_precision":13,"suburb":411,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":412},549,"2023-02-21","Nathalia property raided in illicit tobacco crop bust near Shepparton","The Australian Taxation Office, supported by Victoria Police, raided a rural property at Nathalia in Victoria's north and uncovered about 15.5 hectares of illicit tobacco crops with an estimated excise value of more than $25 million. The crops were destroyed. Police allege the operation was linked to organised crime networks that use small growers to supply the illicit tobacco trade. The raid followed an anonymous community tip-off.",-36.05957,145.20406,"Nathalia",[413],{"id":414,"url":415,"outlet":416,"published_on":16},586,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ato.gov.au\u002Fmedia-centre\u002Ftip-off-pays-off-as-illicit-tobacco-uprooted-in-joint-raids","Australian Taxation Office",{"id":418,"occurred_on":419,"incident_type":42,"title":420,"summary":421,"lat":422,"lng":423,"location_precision":13,"suburb":424,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":425},550,"2023-02-22","Katunga tobacco crop raided a day after Nathalia bust","Australian Taxation Office and Victoria Police officers raided a property at Katunga in Victoria's north, the day after a linked raid at Nathalia, uncovering about 2.4 hectares of illicit tobacco crops with an estimated excise value of more than $6 million. The combined operations, prompted by a community tip-off, destroyed illicit tobacco with an estimated total excise value exceeding $31 million. Police allege the crops supplied an organised-crime-linked illicit tobacco trade.",-35.99909,145.45773,"Katunga",[426],{"id":414,"url":415,"outlet":416,"published_on":16},{"id":357,"occurred_on":428,"incident_type":209,"title":429,"summary":430,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":433,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":434},"2023-03-01","Tobacco war ignited by extortion and firebombing in Melbourne's south-east","Police and underworld sources say Victoria's illicit-tobacco turf war began with an attempted extortion and firebombing targeting a business in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs.",-37.814198,144.96333,"Melbourne South-East",[435],{"id":436,"url":437,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},31,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fwhen-the-head-of-a-crime-family-found-trackers-on-his-car-he-knew-the-game-was-up-20240410-p5fimj.html",{"id":361,"occurred_on":439,"incident_type":256,"title":440,"summary":441,"lat":442,"lng":443,"location_precision":13,"suburb":444,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":445},"2023-03-09","Casino Barker Street tobacconist gutted by explosion and fire","About 3.40am on Thursday 9 March 2023, Richmond Police District officers attended a tobacconist on Barker Street, Casino, after reports of a fire. A tobacco and gift shop was badly damaged by a suspicious explosion and fire. NSW Arson Squad later charged a man found with burns and extradited him from Queensland over the attack.",-28.864511,153.04572,"Casino",[446,451],{"id":447,"url":448,"outlet":449,"published_on":450},32,"https:\u002F\u002Flismoreapp.com.au\u002FNewsStory\u002Farson-squad-extradite-a-man-from-qld-over-alleged-casino-arson-attack\u002F6422626fb120cd00289e069b","Lismore App \u002F NSW Police","2023-03-27",{"id":452,"url":453,"outlet":454,"published_on":439},33,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fnsw\u002Flismore\u002Fpolice-courts\u002Fpolice-investigating-after-suspicious-explosion-and-fire-tears-through-casino-tobacco-shop\u002Fnews-story\u002Fdb98070a48203580fbc491485533b808","Daily Telegraph",{"id":456,"occurred_on":457,"incident_type":42,"title":458,"summary":459,"lat":460,"lng":461,"location_precision":13,"suburb":462,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":17,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":463},551,"2023-03-15","Bunbartha property raided over large illicit tobacco crop","In March 2023 the Australian Taxation Office, with Victoria Police, raided a property at Bunbartha in northern Victoria and found four tobacco plots totalling more than 10 acres of mature plants, weighing about 11,458kg with a potential excise value of over $19 million. The crops were destroyed. Authorities allege such crops feed organised-crime-controlled illicit tobacco supply. Exact date within March 2023 not specified in the source.",-36.220043,145.36742,"Bunbartha",[464],{"id":465,"url":466,"outlet":416,"published_on":16},588,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ato.gov.au\u002Fabout-ato\u002Ftax-avoidance\u002Fthe-fight-against-tax-crime\u002Fnews-and-results\u002Fcase-studies\u002Fillicit-tobacco-case-studies",{"id":389,"occurred_on":468,"incident_type":256,"title":469,"summary":470,"lat":471,"lng":472,"location_precision":13,"suburb":473,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":474},"2023-03-24","Springvale tobacco store attacked in first linked arson","Offenders allegedly tried to set a tobacco store on Springvale Road alight by throwing objects through the window. Police later identified this as the first in a linked series of arson attacks tied to the illicit-tobacco turf war.",-37.9481,145.152,"Springvale",[475],{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},34,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fquartet-arrested-in-string-of-tobacco-store-1067911\u002F","2023-08-18",{"id":400,"occurred_on":480,"incident_type":42,"title":481,"summary":482,"lat":483,"lng":484,"location_precision":13,"suburb":485,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":486},"2023-04-05","Record illicit tobacco haul destroyed at Murga, near Parkes","Under Strike Force Naiad\u002FOperation Junglevine 2, NSW Police State Crime Command detectives together with the AFP, ACIC, ATO and ABF-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce executed a warrant at a property in Murga, about 55km east of Parkes, seizing and destroying roughly 16 tonnes of illicit tobacco with a potential excise value of more than $28 million - one of the largest such busts in NSW history.",-33.2333,148.6667,"Murga",[487],{"id":488,"url":489,"outlet":490,"published_on":491},35,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8154691\u002Fnsw-police-bust-28-million-illicit-tobacco-plantation\u002F","The Canberra Times","2023-04-11",{"id":436,"occurred_on":493,"incident_type":256,"title":494,"summary":495,"lat":496,"lng":497,"location_precision":13,"suburb":498,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":499},"2023-04-10","Gympie Mary Street tobacconist fire spreads to neighbouring shops","At about 12.30am on 10 April 2023, police patrolling Mary Street, Gympie, saw a fire inside a tobacconist. Flames spread quickly to two neighbouring businesses, with explosions from within the tobacconist and power outages. QPS released CCTV of two men of interest. No one was injured.",-26.189367,152.66026,"Gympie",[500],{"id":501,"url":502,"outlet":402,"published_on":503},36,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2023\u002F04\u002F13\u002Fupdate-arson-investigation-gympie\u002F","2023-04-13",{"id":447,"occurred_on":505,"incident_type":42,"title":506,"summary":507,"lat":508,"lng":509,"location_precision":13,"suburb":510,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":511},"2023-04-27","77 tonnes of illicit tobacco destroyed at Binnaway","A joint ATO, Australian Border Force and NSW Police taskforce (Operation Junglevine2) raided a 9-acre property at Binnaway in north-central NSW, seizing and destroying about 77,000kg of tobacco crop plus dried leaf tobacco and drying kilns, worth an estimated $11.9 million in evaded excise; unlicensed firearms were also found and one arrest made.",-31.5333,149.3833,"Binnaway",[512],{"id":513,"url":514,"outlet":515,"published_on":516},37,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.accountantsdaily.com.au\u002Fregulation\u002F18486-12m-illegal-tobacco-haul-destroyed-in-nsw","Accountants Daily","2023-05-03",{"id":452,"occurred_on":518,"incident_type":256,"title":519,"summary":520,"lat":521,"lng":522,"location_precision":13,"suburb":523,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":524},"2023-05-08","Tobacco store deliberately set alight, Thornlands","Police allege a man deliberately lit a fire inside a tobacco store on Island Outlook Avenue, Thornlands, before fleeing in a stolen car. No one was injured. Charges were laid months later as part of a wider Bayside CIB investigation into a string of southside Brisbane tobacconist arsons.",-27.5462,153.3187,"Thornlands",[525,529],{"id":526,"url":527,"outlet":402,"published_on":528},38,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2023\u002F08\u002F28\u002Farson-charges-south-brisbane\u002F","2023-08-28",{"id":530,"url":531,"outlet":118,"published_on":528},39,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-lay-arson-charges-south-brisbane-1072975\u002F",{"id":476,"occurred_on":533,"incident_type":256,"title":534,"summary":535,"lat":536,"lng":537,"location_precision":13,"suburb":538,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":539},"2023-05-16","Wellington Point tobacco store set alight on Old Cleveland Road East","About 3.40am on 16 May 2023, a tobacco store on Old Cleveland Road East, Wellington Point, was deliberately set alight after an earlier disrupted attempt at a Capalaba tobacconist the same night. Bayside CIB later charged a man over the May series of southside tobacco-shop arsons, including the Thornlands fire eight days earlier.",-27.4813,153.2578,"Wellington Point",[540],{"id":526,"url":527,"outlet":402,"published_on":528},{"id":488,"occurred_on":542,"incident_type":209,"title":543,"summary":544,"lat":545,"lng":546,"location_precision":547,"suburb":548,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":549},"2023-05-23","Explosive device planted at Moonee Ponds tobacco shop","Police allege a man forced open the shutter of a tobacco shop on Young Street in Moonee Ponds about 3.05am and placed a small explosive device inside before fleeing in a vehicle. No one was inside the shop, which sustained minor damage. Police said the attack may be linked to a series of other arson attacks on tobacco stores.",-37.765636,144.92145,"exact","Moonee Ponds",[550,553,554],{"id":551,"url":552,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},40,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvic\u002Fpolice-appeal-for-help-finding-offenders-after-tobacco-shop-in-moonee-ponds-set-alight-on-two-occasions--c-11746222",{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},{"id":555,"url":556,"outlet":225,"published_on":557},41,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fvictoria-police-seek-info-on-young-street-1074126\u002F","2023-08-30",{"id":501,"occurred_on":559,"incident_type":209,"title":560,"summary":561,"lat":545,"lng":546,"location_precision":547,"suburb":548,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":562},"2023-05-26","Second arson attack on same Moonee Ponds tobacco shop days later","Police allege a man forced open the roller door of the same Moonee Ponds tobacco shop on Young Street about 1.35am, three days after an earlier attack, and threw in a lit flammable liquid, setting himself alight in the process before fleeing in a waiting car. No one was inside and the shop sustained minor damage.",[563,564,565],{"id":551,"url":552,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},{"id":555,"url":556,"outlet":225,"published_on":557},{"id":513,"occurred_on":567,"incident_type":209,"title":568,"summary":569,"lat":545,"lng":546,"location_precision":13,"suburb":548,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":570},"2023-05-28","Moonee Ponds tobacco and vape shop firebombed three times","A Moonee Ponds tobacco and vape store linked to a well-known man's family was firebombed on three separate occasions within days of opening, police say.",[571],{"id":357,"url":358,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":526,"occurred_on":573,"incident_type":256,"title":574,"summary":575,"lat":576,"lng":577,"location_precision":547,"suburb":548,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":578},"2023-06-03","Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds tobacco store fire","A blaze was reported at a tobacco store on Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds, witnessed by a passer-by. Police treated it as part of the linked series of targeted tobacco-store fires.",-37.765,144.921,[579],{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},{"id":530,"occurred_on":581,"incident_type":27,"title":582,"summary":583,"lat":584,"lng":585,"location_precision":13,"suburb":586,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":587},"2023-06-26","Attempted extortion of Eltham tobacco store owner","Police allege the owner of a tobacco store in Eltham was subjected to attempted extortion, linked to the same organised-crime network behind the 2023 tobacco arson series.",-37.715,145.147,"Eltham",[588,592],{"id":589,"url":590,"outlet":591,"published_on":478},42,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationaltribune.com.au\u002Ffour-arrested-as-part-of-investigation-into-series-of-fires-targeting-tobacco-stores\u002F","National Tribune (Victoria Police release)",{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},{"id":551,"occurred_on":594,"incident_type":27,"title":595,"summary":596,"lat":597,"lng":598,"location_precision":13,"suburb":599,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":17,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":600},"2023-07-01","Assault of a targeted man near the Deer Park Bypass, Ravenhall","Police were investigating an assault on a man next to the Deer Park Bypass at Ravenhall in July 2023, one of several incidents in which the same man was targeted before he was later shot dead in a tobacco-war-linked hit. Two men were charged over the assault. Details are limited and the tobacco connection is alleged.",-37.775,144.75,"Ravenhall",[601],{"id":602,"url":603,"outlet":604,"published_on":605},43,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.armidaleexpress.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8863190\u002Fsuburban-gangland-execution-linked-to-previous-shooting","Armidale Express (AAP)","2025-01-10",{"id":607,"occurred_on":594,"incident_type":27,"title":608,"summary":609,"lat":610,"lng":611,"location_precision":13,"suburb":612,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":613},639,"Police release footage of alleged standover threat at Wangaratta tobacco shop","Victorian detectives released footage of a man allegedly threatening to torch a Wangaratta tobacco shop and demanding keys, in an incident police link to tactics against regional tobacco retailers. Police sought public help identifying the man over the 2023 matter.",-36.355293,146.32661,"Wangaratta",[614,618,622,626,629],{"id":615,"url":616,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},821,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-01-20\u002Fwangaratta-tobacco-shop-arson-standover-man-footage\u002F104837450","ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation",{"id":619,"url":620,"outlet":621,"published_on":16},825,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fvic\u002Fwangaratta-police-vision-depicts-alleged-arsons-extortion-demands-at-regional-tobacconist-20250120-p5zaay.html","nine.com.au",{"id":623,"url":624,"outlet":625,"published_on":16},824,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bordermail.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8871000\u002Fpolice-seek-very-intimidating-man-after-wangaratta-firebomb-threat\u002F","The Border Mail",{"id":627,"url":628,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},823,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-01-23\u002Fextortion-charge-allegedly-linked-to-tobacco-store-fire\u002F104852386",{"id":630,"url":631,"outlet":625,"published_on":16},822,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bordermail.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8873987\u002Fahmad-al-essawi-wangaratta-tobacco-shop-threats-before-fire\u002F",{"id":555,"occurred_on":633,"incident_type":256,"title":634,"summary":635,"lat":235,"lng":636,"location_precision":547,"suburb":237,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":637},"2023-07-17","Deer Park tobacco store arson (wrong premises)","A tobacco store on Dumfries Street, Deer Park was set alight; police believed the wrong premises may have been targeted. A was later charged with criminal damage by fire and arson.",144.777,[638,639],{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},{"id":589,"url":590,"outlet":591,"published_on":478},{"id":589,"occurred_on":641,"incident_type":256,"title":642,"summary":643,"lat":235,"lng":636,"location_precision":547,"suburb":237,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":644},"2023-07-21","Second Deer Park tobacco arson on Dumfries Street","A second tobacco premises on Dumfries Street, Deer Park was reportedly firebombed days after an earlier attack, part of a cluster of fires police alleged were tied to organised crime.",[645,646],{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},{"id":589,"url":590,"outlet":591,"published_on":478},{"id":602,"occurred_on":648,"incident_type":209,"title":649,"summary":650,"lat":651,"lng":652,"location_precision":13,"suburb":653,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":654},"2023-07-27","Wodonga tobacco store torched on High Street","A tobacco business on High Street, Wodonga was allegedly set alight in the early hours, one of a series of illicit-tobacco arson attacks investigated by a Victoria Police taskforce.",-36.121,146.888,"Wodonga",[655,659],{"id":656,"url":657,"outlet":625,"published_on":658},44,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bordermail.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8379931\u002Ftaskforce-examining-tobacco-firebombings-including-wodonga-and-wangaratta-sites\u002F","2023-10-09",{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},{"id":656,"occurred_on":648,"incident_type":209,"title":661,"summary":662,"lat":663,"lng":664,"location_precision":13,"suburb":612,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":665},"Wangaratta tobacco shop firebombed on Murphy Street","A Murphy Street, Wangaratta tobacco shop was allegedly set on fire about 40 minutes after the Wodonga blaze; a person had to be rescued from the burning premises.",-36.358,146.316,[666,667],{"id":656,"url":657,"outlet":625,"published_on":658},{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},{"id":669,"occurred_on":670,"incident_type":42,"title":671,"summary":672,"lat":673,"lng":674,"location_precision":13,"suburb":675,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":676},45,"2023-08-01","Queensland Health raids five central Queensland tobacco stores","Queensland Health officials and police raided five tobacconists of one retail chain in Emerald, Rockhampton, Blackwater and Yeppoon, confiscating illicit cigarettes, flavoured tobacco, loose-leaf tobacco and vapes. The company was later fined over the seizures.",-23.526808,148.16113,"Emerald",[677,678],{"id":242,"url":251,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":669,"url":679,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-03-13\u002Ftobacco-shed-fine-reduced-after-appeal\u002F106449084",{"id":681,"occurred_on":670,"incident_type":67,"title":682,"summary":683,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":684},46,"Four men linked to organised crime charged over tobacco shop arson campaign","Police charged four people linked to organised crime as part of an investigation into a series of arson attacks on tobacconists across Victoria.",[685],{"id":681,"url":686,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fshop-torched-in-another-suspected-gang-arson-attack-20230906-p5e2bv.html",{"id":688,"occurred_on":670,"incident_type":256,"title":689,"summary":690,"lat":235,"lng":636,"location_precision":547,"suburb":237,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":691},47,"Deer Park tobacco premises alight a third time","A Dumfries Street, Deer Park tobacco premises was reportedly targeted by arson a third time in a fortnight, among the incidents cited when police announced arrests.",[692],{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},{"id":694,"occurred_on":695,"incident_type":349,"title":696,"summary":697,"lat":698,"lng":699,"location_precision":547,"suburb":700,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":6,"status":19,"sources":701},48,"2023-08-04","Fatal drive-by shooting of an alleged tobacco figure in South Yarra","About 11:37pm on Almeida Crescent, a man walking with an associate was ambushed by shooters in a stolen Toyota Prado who fired multiple times into his upper body, then exited and fired further shots as he lay on the ground; he died in hospital. Media reporting describes the victim as an alleged illicit-tobacco figure and police posted a $1 million reward. Two men were later accused over the killing.",-37.838863,144.9907,"South Yarra",[702,704,706,709],{"id":688,"url":703,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fpolice-swoop-over-turf-warfare-firebombings-probe-link-to-south-yarra-murder-20230818-p5dxl9.html",{"id":694,"url":705,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fchop-chop-boom-sends-state-tobacco-plans-up-in-smoke-20231006-p5eacg.html",{"id":707,"url":708,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},49,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Ffour-men-at-large-after-targeted-shooting-linked-to-tobacco-wars-20231008-p5eaj6.html",{"id":710,"url":711,"outlet":712,"published_on":713},50,"https:\u002F\u002Facapmag.com.au\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fthe-flames-gangsters-and-tobacco-that-ruled-melbourne-this-year\u002F","ACAPMAG","2025-12-01",{"id":707,"occurred_on":715,"incident_type":42,"title":716,"summary":717,"lat":718,"lng":719,"location_precision":13,"suburb":720,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":721},"2023-08-08","Coordinated illicit tobacco raids across regional Queensland and Gold Coast","Queensland Health, police and Australian Border Force conducted coordinated raids on ten retail outlets across Emerald, Mackay, Townsville, Yeppoon, Ayr and Rockhampton, alongside a Gold Coast operation, seizing over 7,300 vapes and 343kg of illicit tobacco worth more than $2 million combined. No violence was reported; this was a compliance\u002Fenforcement action.",-19.259,146.8169,"Townsville",[722],{"id":723,"url":724,"outlet":725,"published_on":726},51,"https:\u002F\u002Fstatements.qld.gov.au\u002Fstatements\u002F98446","Queensland Government Ministerial Media Statements","2023-08-11",{"id":710,"occurred_on":726,"incident_type":256,"title":728,"summary":729,"lat":730,"lng":731,"location_precision":547,"suburb":732,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":733},"Tobacco store set alight in Hoppers Crossing","A tobacco store in Hoppers Crossing went up in flames in what police believe was part of a string of at least 10 arson attacks on tobacco stores across Melbourne and regional Victoria since March 2023.",-37.866306,144.6951,"Hoppers Crossing",[734,737,738],{"id":735,"url":736,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},52,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.9news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fhadfield-fire-fruit-shop-destroyed-after--suspicious-car-fire-in-melbournes-north\u002F469b878a-4b3c-4737-83a0-7d16cbca133f",{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},{"id":739,"url":740,"outlet":490,"published_on":478},53,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8314067\u002Fpuppets-charged-over-tobacco-trade-firebombings\u002F",{"id":723,"occurred_on":742,"incident_type":42,"title":743,"summary":744,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":745},"2023-08-17","Four charged over string of Melbourne tobacco store fires","Police allege they charged four people, said to have links to organised crime, over almost a dozen arson attacks on tobacco stores across Melbourne, seizing synthetic cannabis, vapes, illicit tobacco and cocaine in the raids. Police described those charged as 'puppets' for others higher up a network.",[746,750],{"id":747,"url":748,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},54,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-victoria\u002Ffour-arrested-over-alleged-tobacco-store-arson-attacks-across-melbourne\u002Fnews-story\u002F8eacdcfa6be30c2e2b99064a9690799e","Herald Sun",{"id":688,"url":703,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":735,"occurred_on":478,"incident_type":67,"title":752,"summary":753,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":754},"Four arrested over linked tobacco-store arson series","Police arrested four men for questioning over a series of at least 10 linked tobacco-store arson attacks dating to March 2023. Alleged organised-crime figures were also charged with extortion and firearms were seized. No individuals are named.",[755,758,759],{"id":756,"url":757,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},55,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.9news.com.au\u002Fvideos\u002Fnational\u002Ffour-arrested-after-alleged-arson-attacks-on-tobacco-stores-across-melbourne\u002Fcllg0lwkk000n0jqg17x1u4hp",{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},{"id":589,"url":590,"outlet":591,"published_on":478},{"id":739,"occurred_on":478,"incident_type":67,"title":761,"summary":762,"lat":763,"lng":764,"location_precision":13,"suburb":765,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":766},"Arrests over string of tobacco-store fires; northern-suburb warrants","Police reportedly arrested four people over a series of at least 10 linked tobacco-store arson attacks, executing warrants at properties in northern suburbs including Broadmeadows, Pascoe Vale, Glenroy and Heidelberg; a teenager was also charged.",-37.68,144.92,"Broadmeadows",[767],{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},{"id":747,"occurred_on":478,"incident_type":8,"title":769,"summary":770,"lat":771,"lng":772,"location_precision":13,"suburb":773,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":774},"Four charged over tobacco-store firebombing series after northern-suburbs raids","Police charged three men and a woman over a series of about 11 tobacco-store arson attacks since March 2023 after executing warrants across suburbs including Broadmeadows, Pascoe Vale and Glenroy, alleging they were lower-level offenders paid by organised-crime networks.",-37.6833,144.5833,"Melton",[775,776],{"id":739,"url":740,"outlet":490,"published_on":478},{"id":589,"url":590,"outlet":591,"published_on":478},{"id":756,"occurred_on":478,"incident_type":67,"title":778,"summary":779,"lat":780,"lng":781,"location_precision":13,"suburb":548,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":782},"Four men arrested over string of 10 tobacco store arsons across Melbourne and regional Victoria","Police arrested four organised-crime figures after linking them to 10 arson attacks on tobacco retailers since March 2023, including fires and ram raids in Springvale, Moonee Ponds, Deer Park, Wodonga, Wangaratta and Hoppers Crossing, plus an alleged extortion attempt against a tobacco store owner in Eltham. Warrants also recovered synthetic cannabis, vapes, illicit tobacco and cocaine. The men were charged with extortion and drug\u002Ffirearm offences; police allege organised crime involvement.",-37.7663,144.9231,[783],{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},{"id":785,"occurred_on":786,"incident_type":256,"title":787,"summary":788,"lat":789,"lng":790,"location_precision":13,"suburb":791,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":792},56,"2023-08-29","Fruit shop destroyed by suspicious fire linked to tobacco arson spree","A fruit and vegetable shop in Melbourne's north was significantly damaged after a car reversed into the store and caught fire, with police believing the suspicious fire was linked to an ongoing dispute involving organised crime groups targeting tobacco stores.",-37.70999,144.95026,"Hadfield",[793],{"id":735,"url":736,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},{"id":795,"occurred_on":557,"incident_type":256,"title":796,"summary":797,"lat":789,"lng":790,"location_precision":13,"suburb":791,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":798},57,"Grocery and tobacco store rammed and firebombed in Hadfield","A car was reversed into a two-storey building housing a grocery store that advertised tobacco and vape products online, in Hadfield, before it was set alight. Police linked the attack to a wider turf war over control of the illicit tobacco trade.",[799],{"id":785,"url":800,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fpay-or-burn-inside-the-gangland-war-over-the-tobacco-trade-netting-millions-20230821-p5dy38.html",{"id":802,"occurred_on":803,"incident_type":349,"title":804,"summary":805,"lat":806,"lng":807,"location_precision":13,"suburb":808,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":6,"status":19,"sources":809},58,"2023-09-01","Underworld figure shot dead at Keilor cafe","An underworld figure was shot dead in a daylight attack at a cafe in Keilor. Police said the victim had also tried to muscle in on an extortion racket targeting Melbourne's tobacco retailers.",-37.710785,144.82423,"Keilor",[810,811],{"id":707,"url":708,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":795,"url":812,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fman-killed-in-suspected-targeted-shooting-in-melbourne-s-north-20231007-p5eahe.html",{"id":814,"occurred_on":815,"incident_type":209,"title":816,"summary":817,"lat":818,"lng":819,"location_precision":13,"suburb":820,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":821},59,"2023-09-06","Storefront next to tobacco shop torched in Oakleigh arson attack","A suspicious fire believed linked to Victoria's tit-for-tat tobacco war arson attacks destroyed an empty shopfront beside a tobacconist on Station Street, Oakleigh, in the early hours of the morning.",-37.899567,145.09587,"Oakleigh",[822,824,825,827,830,835],{"id":802,"url":823,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fcrime\u002Fonly-a-matter-of-time-excops-dire-warning-over-string-of-arson-attacks\u002Fnews-story\u002F4fc4a711df807197d61d8704613b6721",{"id":681,"url":686,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":814,"url":826,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Ftobacco-store-set-alight-with-car-fire-in-second-targeted-attack-20230921-p5e6fo.html",{"id":828,"url":829,"outlet":118,"published_on":815},60,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-investigate-suspicious-fire-oakleigh-1078513\u002F",{"id":831,"url":832,"outlet":833,"published_on":834},62,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8358392\u002Fsecond-suspicious-fire-at-tobacco-shop-building\u002F","Canberra Times (AAP wire)","2023-09-21",{"id":836,"url":837,"outlet":838,"published_on":839},61,"https:\u002F\u002Fau.news.yahoo.com\u002Fex-cop-grave-warning-over-001200950.html","Yahoo News Australia","2023-09-22",{"id":828,"occurred_on":841,"incident_type":349,"title":842,"summary":843,"lat":844,"lng":845,"location_precision":13,"suburb":846,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":847},"2023-09-14","Drive-by shooting hits Craigieburn home","A drive-by shooting caused extensive damage to the facade of a home in the Excelsior Heights area of Craigieburn. A couple in their 50s asleep inside narrowly escaped injury; police later probed a possible link to a fatal shooting weeks afterwards.",-37.59082,144.91055,"Craigieburn",[848],{"id":707,"url":708,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":836,"occurred_on":850,"incident_type":209,"title":851,"summary":852,"lat":853,"lng":854,"location_precision":13,"suburb":855,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":856},"2023-09-20","Tobacco shop firebombed on Church Street, Whittlesea","A tobacco shop on Church Street, Whittlesea was destroyed after being engulfed in flames about 2.30am, in a suspected arson attack linked to the same wave of tobacco store firebombings sweeping Melbourne.",-37.513233,145.11781,"Whittlesea",[857],{"id":802,"url":823,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},{"id":831,"occurred_on":834,"incident_type":209,"title":859,"summary":860,"lat":818,"lng":819,"location_precision":547,"suburb":820,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":861},"Car rammed into Oakleigh tobacco shop, building destroyed by fire","A car was driven into a Station Street tobacco shop and set alight about 2am, destroying the business and badly damaging an adjoining restaurant and empty shopfront. Police allege the fire was linked to a series of arson attacks tied to the illicit tobacco trade in Victoria.",[862,865,866,867,868],{"id":863,"url":864,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},63,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2023-09-21\u002Fmelbourne-oakleigh-tobacco-store-fire-police-illegal-trade\u002F102883536",{"id":802,"url":823,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},{"id":814,"url":826,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":831,"url":832,"outlet":833,"published_on":834},{"id":836,"url":837,"outlet":838,"published_on":839},{"id":863,"occurred_on":870,"incident_type":256,"title":871,"summary":872,"lat":873,"lng":874,"location_precision":13,"suburb":875,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":876},"2023-09-23","First arson attack on Centre Road tobacco shop in Bentleigh","On 23 September 2023, arsonists targeted a cigarette shop and convenience store on Centre Road in Bentleigh. It was the first of two attacks on the same shopfront within three weeks; the second came in the early hours of 7 October 2023. Police linked both attacks to the illicit-tobacco turf war. Portable CCTV had been installed at the store before the October attack.",-37.91884,145.04169,"Bentleigh",[877,881],{"id":878,"url":879,"outlet":880,"published_on":658},64,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.smh.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fanother-tobacco-shop-torched-as-police-probe-link-between-turf-war-and-fatal-shooting-20231009-p5eaom.html","Sydney Morning Herald \u002F The Age",{"id":882,"url":883,"outlet":749,"published_on":884},65,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-victoria\u002Fcrime-scene-set-up-after-suspicious-fire-engulfs-bentleigh-business\u002Fnews-story\u002F51f29ba565d9e7b7f0aed13c8bc3db8c","2023-10-07",{"id":878,"occurred_on":886,"incident_type":27,"title":887,"summary":888,"lat":889,"lng":890,"location_precision":13,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":892},"2023-09-24","Threat allegedly made against Glenroy tobacco store owner","Police allege a man later arrested as a network ringleader was involved in a threat made against a Glenroy tobacco store owner as part of a campaign to force stores to sell the network's illicit tobacco.",-37.70357,144.92688,"Glenroy",[893],{"id":894,"url":895,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},66,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fcrime\u002Fpolice-arrest-man-allegedly-behind-arson-attacks-on-melbourne-tobacconists\u002Fnews-story\u002Fa94cfcd044ddd813e659e7cc0b85aba8",{"id":882,"occurred_on":897,"incident_type":209,"title":898,"summary":899,"lat":900,"lng":901,"location_precision":13,"suburb":902,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":903},"2023-10-05","Smash repair business firebombed in Williamstown North","Police allege a man later arrested as a network ringleader commissioned an arson attack on a smash repair business in Williamstown North as part of the tobacco turf war.",-37.852478,144.86774,"Williamstown North",[904],{"id":894,"url":895,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},{"id":894,"occurred_on":884,"incident_type":349,"title":906,"summary":907,"lat":908,"lng":909,"location_precision":547,"suburb":846,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":6,"status":19,"sources":910},"Fatal shooting at Craigieburn Central shopping centre","Just before 3pm, four balaclava-clad men surrounded a parked Mercedes in the shopping-centre car park and fired multiple shots, killing a man and wounding a male associate who was hospitalised in a serious condition. Police allege the victim had links to organised crime and suspect the attack is connected to Melbourne's illegal tobacco wars; five men were later charged and a $1 million reward was offered.",-37.5931,144.943,[911,916,917,918],{"id":912,"url":913,"outlet":914,"published_on":915},67,"https:\u002F\u002Fncreview.com.au\u002F2023\u002F10\u002F10\u002Fpolice-investigate-murder-at-craigieburn-shopping-centre\u002F","North Central Review","2023-10-10",{"id":707,"url":708,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":795,"url":812,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":919,"url":920,"outlet":921,"published_on":922},68,"https:\u002F\u002Fthenightly.com.au\u002Faustralia\u002Fvictoria\u002Fpolice-offer-1-million-reward-to-unmask-the-criminals-behind-craigieburn-shopping-centre-shooting-c-19570322","The Nightly","2025-08-04",{"id":912,"occurred_on":884,"incident_type":256,"title":924,"summary":925,"lat":873,"lng":874,"location_precision":13,"suburb":875,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":926},"Tobacco shop firebombed in Bentleigh","The back of a tobacco shop in Bentleigh was set alight in an apparent firebombing, days after police installed CCTV cameras outside the shopfront following an earlier attack in September.",[927],{"id":707,"url":708,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":919,"occurred_on":658,"incident_type":209,"title":929,"summary":930,"lat":889,"lng":890,"location_precision":13,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":931},"Glenroy tobacco store rammed and firebombed, offender engulfed in flames","Police allege two men used a stolen BMW to ram through the roller door of a tobacco store on Wheatshead Road in Glenroy about 2.30am on 9 October 2023, before pouring petrol inside and igniting it. The offender was briefly engulfed in flames but escaped; detectives linked the attack to a series of tobacco store arsons dating back to March 2023.",[932,935,936,939,942,945,948,951,955,958,962],{"id":933,"url":934,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},69,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Fnews\u002Fcrime\u002Fmoment-melbourne-arsonist-sets-himself-alight-bc-6335995353112",{"id":894,"url":895,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},{"id":937,"url":938,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},70,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fstore-rammed-and-set-alight-by-man-with-jerry-can-in-glenroy-melbourne-c-12719390",{"id":940,"url":941,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},71,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fcrime\u002Ftobacco-shop-rammed-set-ablaze-in-earlymorning-attack\u002Fnews-story\u002Fd04185dbaf771bd01889a78829a6adc0",{"id":943,"url":944,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},72,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fanother-tobacco-shop-torched-as-police-probe-link-between-turf-war-and-fatal-shooting-20231009-p5eaom.html",{"id":946,"url":947,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},73,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fmelbourne-firebombing-ringleader-faces-court-20240131-p5f1aq.html",{"id":949,"url":950,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},74,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fluxury-car-escort-for-suspected-lieutenant-in-tobacco-fire-war-20240219-p5f62v.html",{"id":952,"url":953,"outlet":954,"published_on":16},78,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.krock.com.au\u002Flocal-news\u002Fanother-tobacco-shop-burns-as-cops-unveil-taskforce\u002F","K rock",{"id":956,"url":957,"outlet":118,"published_on":658},75,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fvictoria-police-probes-suspicious-fires-in-1099456\u002F",{"id":959,"url":960,"outlet":961,"published_on":915},77,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bay939.com.au\u002Flocal-news\u002Fanother-tobacco-shop-burns-as-cops-unveil-taskforce\u002F","Bay 93.9",{"id":963,"url":964,"outlet":118,"published_on":965},76,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Farson-investigate-tobacco-store-firembombing-1614180\u002F","2026-02-05",{"id":933,"occurred_on":658,"incident_type":27,"title":967,"summary":968,"lat":969,"lng":970,"location_precision":13,"suburb":971,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":972},"Coburg getaway car torched after Glenroy tobacco firebombing","A car police allege was used minutes earlier to ram and firebomb a Glenroy tobacco store was found fully alight on Shaftsbury Street, Coburg shortly afterward.",-37.75,144.9667,"Coburg",[973],{"id":956,"url":957,"outlet":118,"published_on":658},{"id":940,"occurred_on":975,"incident_type":209,"title":976,"summary":977,"lat":978,"lng":979,"location_precision":13,"suburb":980,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":981},"2023-10-11","Ashmore Plaza tobacco store firebombed; shopping centre businesses damaged","About 4am, a tobacco store at Ashmore Plaza on the Gold Coast was firebombed. Multiple fire crews attended a blaze intense enough to damage neighbouring businesses including a seafood shop. A man was reportedly seen near the store before the fire. Media and police treated it as suspicious and part of the early interstate tobacco conflict pattern.",-27.99122,153.3766,"Ashmore",[982,986],{"id":983,"url":984,"outlet":985,"published_on":915},79,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hottomato.com.au\u002Fgold-coast\u002Fsuspicious-blaze-tears-through-gold-coast-shopping-centre\u002F","myGC \u002F Hot Tomato",{"id":987,"url":988,"outlet":989,"published_on":975},80,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goldcoastbulletin.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fgold-coast\u002Fqueensland-fireys-called-to-suspicious-fire-at-ashmore-shopping-plaza\u002Fnews-story\u002Faca2db0cbb660170116efd13ed0a174e","Gold Coast Bulletin",{"id":943,"occurred_on":975,"incident_type":256,"title":991,"summary":992,"lat":993,"lng":994,"location_precision":13,"suburb":995,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":996},"Burleigh Heads James Street tobacconist deliberately set alight","On 11 October 2023 a tobacconist on James Street, Burleigh Heads, was deliberately set alight as part of a Gold Coast\u002FBrisbane series of tobacco-shop arsons. Queensland Police later issued a warrant for a man alleged to have lit fires at Burleigh Heads, Ashmore, Acacia Ridge and Spring Hill tobacconists in October 2023.",-28.099035,153.44223,"Burleigh Heads",[997,1001],{"id":998,"url":999,"outlet":402,"published_on":1000},81,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fbrisbanenorth\u002F2023\u002F11\u002F18\u002Farson-investigations-gold-coast-and-brisbane\u002F","2023-11-18",{"id":987,"url":988,"outlet":989,"published_on":975},{"id":946,"occurred_on":1003,"incident_type":42,"title":1004,"summary":1005,"lat":321,"lng":322,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1006},"2023-10-18","Statewide illicit-tobacco raids hit 34 stores across Melbourne","Victoria Police raided 34 tobacco shops across metropolitan Melbourne over two days, seizing more than 36,000 e-cigarettes (about $1 million), $400,000 of illicit cigarettes, 30kg of loose tobacco, drugs and weapons. Thirteen people were detained and one man charged; the operation targeted organised-crime networks allegedly linked to the illicit tobacco trade.",[1007],{"id":1008,"url":1009,"outlet":1010,"published_on":1011},82,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sheppnews.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fsix-arrested-and-1m-in-vapes-seized-in-tobacco-probe-2\u002F","Shepparton News","2023-10-19",{"id":949,"occurred_on":1013,"incident_type":42,"title":1014,"summary":1015,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1016},"2023-10-20","Police raid 50 Victorian tobacco stores in organised crime crackdown","Taskforce Lunar raided 50 tobacco stores suspected of links to organised crime across Melbourne and regional Victoria, seizing more than 92,000 vapes, 1.3 million cigarettes, 900 kilograms of loose tobacco and $43,000 in suspected proceeds of crime.",[1017],{"id":694,"url":705,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":956,"occurred_on":1019,"incident_type":256,"title":1020,"summary":1021,"lat":1022,"lng":1023,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1024,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1025},"2023-10-21","Suspicious fire destroys tobacconist on Wembley Road, Logan Central","Queensland Police say emergency crews were called just after 2am to a tobacconist on Wembley Road, Logan Central, after a fire. Initial investigations indicate the business was deliberately set alight, causing extensive damage. No one was injured. A crime scene was declared.",-27.641045,153.10753,"Logan Central",[1026],{"id":1027,"url":1028,"outlet":1029,"published_on":1019},83,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2023\u002F10\u002F21\u002Fsuspicious-fire-logan-central-2\u002F","Queensland Police",{"id":963,"occurred_on":1031,"incident_type":256,"title":1032,"summary":1033,"lat":1034,"lng":1035,"location_precision":547,"suburb":791,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1036},"2023-10-23","Hadfield tobacconist firebombed on West Street","A tobacco store on West Street, Hadfield was set alight in a fire police deemed suspicious and referred to Taskforce Lunar. At the time police said more than 27 Victorian businesses had been firebombed over roughly seven months amid the gangland tobacco war.",-37.705,144.945,[1037],{"id":1038,"url":1039,"outlet":1040,"published_on":1041},84,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sheppnews.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fmelbourne-tobacco-store-goes-up-in-smoke-amid-gang-war\u002F","Shepparton News (AAP)","2023-10-25",{"id":959,"occurred_on":1041,"incident_type":256,"title":1043,"summary":1044,"lat":789,"lng":790,"location_precision":13,"suburb":791,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1045},"Hadfield tobacco shop firebombed for second time","A tobacco store on West Street, Hadfield, that had been partially boarded up after an earlier arson attack in August, was set ablaze for a second time. Police linked the fire to more than 30 arson attacks targeting tobacco stores since March.",[1046,1049],{"id":1047,"url":1048,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},85,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Ftobacco-shop-set-ablaze-in-another-suspicious-fire-in-melbourne-s-north-20231025-p5ees8.html",{"id":694,"url":705,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":952,"occurred_on":1041,"incident_type":256,"title":1051,"summary":1052,"lat":1053,"lng":1054,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1055,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1056},"Acacia Ridge Elizabeth Street tobacconist set alight (October 2023)","On 25 October 2023 a tobacconist on Elizabeth Street, Acacia Ridge, was deliberately set alight, according to a QPS warrant series investigating four Gold Coast and Brisbane tobacconist arsons that month. This is a separate earlier attack from the March 2024 Acacia Ridge tobacconist fire at the same strip.",-27.585588,153.02669,"Acacia Ridge",[1057],{"id":998,"url":999,"outlet":402,"published_on":1000},{"id":983,"occurred_on":1059,"incident_type":42,"title":1060,"summary":1061,"lat":1062,"lng":1063,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1064,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1065},"2023-10-26","Taskforce Viper raids 16 regional Victorian tobacco shops","Victoria Police, Australian Border Force officers and tax officials raided 16 illicit tobacco shops across Shepparton, Seymour, Yarrawonga and Ballarat, seizing more than $2 million worth of vapes, cigarettes, loose tobacco and cash. Six people were arrested, and police allege the seizures are linked to organised crime networks.",-36.381046,145.39938,"Shepparton",[1066],{"id":1067,"url":1068,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},86,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2023-10-27\u002Ftaskforce-viper-raids-across-victoria\u002F103030746",{"id":987,"occurred_on":1070,"incident_type":209,"title":1071,"summary":1072,"lat":1073,"lng":1074,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1075,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1076},"2023-10-29","South Melbourne tobacconist ram-raided and partly destroyed by arson attempt","A tobacconist on Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, was partly destroyed after an attempted arson attack and ram raid on 29 October 2023. Police treated the blaze as suspicious amid Melbourne's early tobacco-war wave.",-37.83437,144.95566,"South Melbourne",[1077],{"id":1078,"url":1079,"outlet":269,"published_on":1070},87,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fsouth-melbourne-another-tobacconist-targeted-in-attempted-arson-attack-20231029-p5ywii.html",{"id":998,"occurred_on":1081,"incident_type":256,"title":1082,"summary":1083,"lat":1084,"lng":1085,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1086,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1087},"2023-10-30","Spring Hill Wickham Terrace tobacconist deliberately set alight","On 30 October 2023 a tobacconist on Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill (inner Brisbane), was deliberately set alight. QPS linked the fire to the same October series of Gold Coast and Brisbane tobacconist arsons, later seeking the arrest of a man also alleged to have hit Burleigh Heads, Ashmore and Acacia Ridge stores.",-27.461159,153.02658,"Spring Hill",[1088],{"id":998,"url":999,"outlet":402,"published_on":1000},{"id":1008,"occurred_on":1090,"incident_type":256,"title":1091,"summary":1092,"lat":1093,"lng":1094,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1095,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1096},"2023-11-10","Caulfield restaurant gutted in alleged paid firebombing","A fast-food restaurant at the corner of Glen Huntly and Hawthorn roads, Caulfield, was gutted after offenders allegedly smashed their way in, poured fuel and turned on the gas before the building exploded. Police allege the attackers were paid $20,000 to carry out the firebombing.",-37.884403,145.02538,"Caulfield",[1097,1100],{"id":1098,"url":1099,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},88,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fburgertory-fire-accused-also-charged-with-4m-tobacco-shop-blaze-20240201-p5f1k4.html",{"id":1101,"url":1102,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},89,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fmen-accused-of-firebombing-burgertory-eatery-paid-20-000-for-the-job-court-told-20240708-p5jryp.html",{"id":1027,"occurred_on":1000,"incident_type":209,"title":1104,"summary":1105,"lat":1106,"lng":1107,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1108,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1109},"Docklands restaurant firebombed (1st attack, tobacco-arson spree)","Police allege offenders smashed a window and poured accelerant into a New Quay Promenade restaurant, Docklands, forcing evacuation of about 60 residents above; investigators linked it to an eight-month tobacco-store arson series.",-37.820248,144.94043,"Docklands",[1110,1111,1112,1113],{"id":894,"url":895,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},{"id":946,"url":947,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":949,"url":950,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1114,"url":1115,"outlet":118,"published_on":1116},90,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Finvestigation-into-suspicious-docklands-fires-1136738\u002F","2023-12-05",{"id":1038,"occurred_on":1118,"incident_type":209,"title":1119,"summary":1120,"lat":1106,"lng":1107,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1108,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1121},"2023-11-20","Docklands restaurant firebombed a second time","Police allege the same Docklands restaurant was targeted in a second arson attack two days after the first, as part of an alleged campaign by an organised crime network.",[1122,1123,1124,1125],{"id":894,"url":895,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},{"id":946,"url":947,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":949,"url":950,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1114,"url":1115,"outlet":118,"published_on":1116},{"id":1047,"occurred_on":1127,"incident_type":42,"title":1128,"summary":1129,"lat":1130,"lng":1131,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1132,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1133},"2023-11-24","Victoria Police seize illegal cigarettes in organised-crime-linked tobacco raids","Victorian police searched properties across Melbourne, East Gippsland and western Victoria (Horsham, Stawell, Ararat, Warracknabeal and Nhill) targeting organised-crime figures and tobacco stores, seizing 134,000 illegal cigarettes, 43kg of loose tobacco, 3,655 vapes and steroids. Seven people were arrested in Victoria as part of a coordinated national operation that made 25 arrests nationwide.",-36.715523,142.19965,"Horsham",[1134],{"id":1135,"url":1136,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},91,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2023-11-24\u002Fillegal-tobacco-victoria-police-raids-outlaw-motorcycle-gangs\u002F103146164",{"id":1067,"occurred_on":1138,"incident_type":42,"title":1139,"summary":1140,"lat":1141,"lng":1142,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1143,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1144},"2023-11-28","Korumburra tobacco store raided in statewide illicit-tobacco crackdown","Victoria Police's VIPER and Taskforce Lunar squads raided a tobacco store on Commercial Street, Korumburra, along with storage facilities in Highett and a Hoppers Crossing property, as part of a probe into organised-crime supply of illicit tobacco to regional retailers. More than 528,000 cigarettes, 25kg of loose tobacco and over 600 vapes were seized; police allege a Hoppers Crossing man was the supplier and arrested and charged him.",-38.4336,145.8028,"Korumburra",[1145,1149,1152],{"id":1146,"url":1147,"outlet":1148,"published_on":1138},92,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sgst.com.au\u002Fpolice\u002Fkorumburra-tobacco-seller-caught-in-illicit-tobacco-web","South Gippsland Sentinel-Times",{"id":1150,"url":1151,"outlet":1148,"published_on":1138},93,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sgst.com.au\u002Fpolice\u002Fbreaking-police-target-local-tobacco-sellers",{"id":1153,"url":1154,"outlet":490,"published_on":1155},94,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8442106\u002Fmillions-of-cigarettes-100000-vapes-seized-in-raids\u002F","2023-11-29",{"id":1078,"occurred_on":1157,"incident_type":67,"title":1158,"summary":1159,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1160},"2023-12-01","Alleged crime figure arrested on weapons charges","An alleged senior figure in a Melbourne crime network suspected of controlling a major illicit tobacco network was arrested and charged on weapons offences, though not over any arson attacks.",[1161],{"id":436,"url":437,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1098,"occurred_on":1163,"incident_type":256,"title":1164,"summary":1165,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1166},"2023-12-04","Melbourne tobacco shop set on fire, suspects flee in ute","Police are searching for suspects after a Melbourne tobacco shop was set on fire, with the offenders believed to have fled the scene in a ute.",[1167],{"id":1168,"url":1169,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},95,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.9news.com.au\u002Fvideos\u002Fnational\u002Fpolice-searching-for-suspects-after-melbourne-tobacco-shop-fire\u002Fclppu3pjs001k0jpclw1kyj8u",{"id":1101,"occurred_on":1171,"incident_type":209,"title":1172,"summary":1173,"lat":1174,"lng":1175,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1176,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1177},"2023-12-08","Tullamarine reception centre firebombed","Police allege a network ringleader commissioned an arson attack on a Tullamarine reception and wedding venue as part of the illicit tobacco turf war.",-37.70443,144.8718,"Tullamarine",[1178,1179,1180],{"id":894,"url":895,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},{"id":946,"url":947,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":949,"url":950,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1114,"occurred_on":1171,"incident_type":209,"title":1182,"summary":1183,"lat":1106,"lng":1107,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1108,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1184},"Second Docklands restaurant firebombed same day as Tullamarine fire","Police allege a further Docklands restaurant was set alight on the same day as the Tullamarine reception centre fire, both attributed to the same alleged network ringleader.",[1185],{"id":894,"url":895,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},{"id":1135,"occurred_on":1187,"incident_type":42,"title":1188,"summary":1189,"lat":1190,"lng":1191,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1192,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1193},"2023-12-18","Two charged over alleged extortion of Morwell tobacco store","A man and a teenager were arrested and charged after the owner and employees of a Morwell tobacco store were allegedly threatened, part of Taskforce Lunar's investigation into organised-crime networks linked to the illicit tobacco trade. All are alleged offenders.",-38.2333,146.4,"Morwell",[1194],{"id":1195,"url":1196,"outlet":1197,"published_on":1198},96,"https:\u002F\u002Fground.news\u002Farticle\u002Ftwo-melbourne-teens-charged-over-morwell-tobacco-store-extortion","Ground News (AAP)","2023-12-19",{"id":1200,"occurred_on":1198,"incident_type":42,"title":1201,"summary":1202,"lat":1203,"lng":1204,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1205,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1206},552,"80,000 illegal tobacco plants seized from rural property near Stawell","Detectives executed a search warrant at a rural property at Landsborough, about 30km east of Stawell, and seized more than 80,000 tobacco plants, over 1.3 tonnes of dried tobacco in bales, more than 30kg of loose dried tobacco and tobacco manufacturing equipment. A person was arrested and expected to be charged on summons. Police treated the site as part of an illicit tobacco manufacturing operation.",-37.00919,143.1347,"Landsborough",[1207],{"id":1208,"url":1209,"outlet":160,"published_on":16},589,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.stockandland.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8465842\u002Fvictorian-police-bust-illegal-tobacco-operation\u002F",{"id":1146,"occurred_on":1211,"incident_type":209,"title":1212,"summary":1213,"lat":1214,"lng":1215,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1216,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1217},"2023-12-25","Moe tobacco store firebombed on Christmas Day","A tobacco store on Lloyd Street, Moe, was deliberately set alight on Christmas Day, one of a spate of arson attacks Victoria Police linked to organised-crime conflict over the illicit tobacco trade; a tobacco store in Croydon was firebombed the same day, allegedly by the same network. Taskforce Lunar and the AFP later arrested five men, including alleged organised-crime figures, in relation to this and related fires.",-38.1747,146.2667,"Moe",[1218,1223,1226],{"id":1219,"url":1220,"outlet":1221,"published_on":1222},97,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.afp.gov.au\u002Fnews-centre\u002Fmedia-release\u002Ffive-males-arrested-following-series-suspicious-arson-attacks","Australian Federal Police","2024-01-13",{"id":1224,"url":1225,"outlet":490,"published_on":1222},98,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8485127\u002Farrests-over-victorias-underworld-tobacco-war\u002F",{"id":1227,"url":1228,"outlet":118,"published_on":1222},99,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ffive-males-arrested-over-string-of-arson-attacks-1155157\u002F",{"id":1150,"occurred_on":1211,"incident_type":256,"title":1230,"summary":1231,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1232},"Melbourne tobacco shop attacked on Christmas morning","A Melbourne tobacco shop had its windows shattered in an arson attack on Christmas morning, forcing tradespeople to board up the store.",[1233],{"id":1234,"url":1235,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},100,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.9news.com.au\u002Fvideos\u002Fnational\u002Fmelbourne-tobacco-shop-attacked-on-christmas-morning\u002Fclqkm04hf001e0jo90z3nscwe",{"id":1153,"occurred_on":1211,"incident_type":209,"title":1237,"summary":1238,"lat":1239,"lng":1240,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1241,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1242},"Croydon tobacco store firebombed on Christmas Day","A tobacco store on Main Street, Croydon was set alight in the early hours of Christmas Day as part of the illicit-tobacco turf war. The attack was later tied to a series of arson jobs; a man was subsequently charged with criminal damage by fire over the alleged offending.",-37.796,145.281,"Croydon",[1243,1244],{"id":1219,"url":1220,"outlet":1221,"published_on":1222},{"id":1227,"url":1228,"outlet":118,"published_on":1222},{"id":1168,"occurred_on":1246,"incident_type":42,"title":1247,"summary":1248,"lat":1249,"lng":1250,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1251,"state":1252,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1253},"2024-01-01","NT task force raids target networks eyeing Darwin tobacco market","After NT Police became aware in 2024 that organised crime networks and organised-crime-linked groups had leased premises across Greater Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs to set up illicit tobacco operations, a police task force conducted sustained raids on stores, storage sheds and houses, issuing infringement notices and seizing cars and assets.",-12.464953,130.8417,"Greater Darwin","NT",[1254],{"id":1255,"url":1256,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},101,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-03-30\u002Fnt-illegal-tobacco-stores-darwin-organised-crime-city\u002F106504552",{"id":1195,"occurred_on":1258,"incident_type":349,"title":1259,"summary":1260,"lat":1261,"lng":970,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1262,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":6,"status":19,"sources":1263},"2024-01-07","Alleged tobacco-crew foot soldier shot dead during burglary, Donnybrook","Police allege a man in his late teens, believed to be a foot soldier for a network behind tobacco-store extortions, assaults and arsons, was shot and killed by a homeowner while taking part in an aggravated burglary. A coroner found the resident acted in self-defence; the burglary's motive was not conclusively established.",-37.5333,"Donnybrook",[1264,1269],{"id":1265,"url":1266,"outlet":1267,"published_on":1268},102,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9208884\u002Fcrime-boss-foot-soldier-shot-dead-in-botched-burglary\u002F","The Canberra Times (AAP)","2025-09-01",{"id":1270,"url":1271,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},103,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-charge-man-after-donnybrook-home-invasion-1174388\u002F",{"id":1219,"occurred_on":1273,"incident_type":67,"title":1274,"summary":1275,"lat":1276,"lng":1277,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1278,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1279},"2024-01-09","Werribee arrest over festive season tobacco shop firebombings","Police arrested a man linked to organised crime in Werribee, one of five people detained in raids across Melbourne over a spate of tobacco shop firebombings since Christmas Day.",-37.901894,144.66278,"Werribee",[1280],{"id":1281,"url":1282,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},104,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Ftobacco-war-five-arrested-over-festive-season-firebombings-20240110-p5ew7n.html",{"id":1224,"occurred_on":1273,"incident_type":256,"title":1284,"summary":1285,"lat":1286,"lng":1287,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1288,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1289},"Altona North cafe torched in tobacco-war arson series","A cafe on Lobelia Drive, Altona North was set alight, one of a cluster of suspicious fires in Melbourne's west that police allege were part of the organised-crime dispute over the illicit tobacco market.",-37.837822,144.83429,"Altona North",[1290,1293,1296],{"id":1291,"url":1292,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},105,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Ffireball-erupts-in-melbourne-s-north-after-another-underworld-arson-attack-20240114-p5ex1f.html",{"id":1294,"url":1295,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},106,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Ftwo-altona-businesses-gutted-by-fire-two-days-apart-20240111-p5ewmt.html",{"id":1219,"url":1220,"outlet":1221,"published_on":1222},{"id":1227,"occurred_on":1298,"incident_type":256,"title":1299,"summary":1300,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1301},"2024-01-11","Another Melbourne tobacco store set alight","A Melbourne tobacco store was destroyed by fire, with police searching for the arsonists responsible amid an ongoing spate of attacks on tobacco stores in the city.",[1302,1305,1306],{"id":1303,"url":1304,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},107,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.9news.com.au\u002Fvideos\u002Fnational\u002Fmelbourne-tobacco-store-targeted-by-arsonists\u002Fclr8b5v7300040jmuc1q6oyyy",{"id":1281,"url":1282,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1307,"url":1308,"outlet":1309,"published_on":16},767,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Faustralia-news\u002F2024\u002Fjan\u002F13\u002Ftobacco-wars-victoria-police-turning-the-corner-in-battle-against-arson-attacks-as-more-arrests-made","The Guardian",{"id":1234,"occurred_on":1298,"incident_type":209,"title":1311,"summary":1312,"lat":1313,"lng":1314,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1315,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1316},"Tobacconist firebombed on Pier Street, Altona","Police allege arsonists smashed the front window of the Free Choice Tobacconist on Pier Street, Altona and threw in jerry cans before setting it alight about 4am; a white ute was also found burnt out nearby off Altona Road. Investigators believe the attack is linked to an ongoing turf war between organised crime groups for control of the illicit tobacco trade.",-37.859768,144.81487,"Altona",[1317,1320,1323,1324,1325,1329],{"id":1318,"url":1319,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},108,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-victoria\u002Faltona-tobacco-store-the-latest-melbourne-business-targeted-in-firebombing-attack\u002Fnews-story\u002F88a42fa97698835abbbb31c6687cfe21",{"id":1321,"url":1322,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},109,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fcrime\u002Fanother-tobacco-store-set-on-fire-believed-to-be-linked-to-ongoing-crime-war\u002Fnews-story\u002Ffe4087a01215e680f69c3ce434f80e9a",{"id":1219,"url":1220,"outlet":1221,"published_on":1222},{"id":1227,"url":1228,"outlet":118,"published_on":1222},{"id":1326,"url":1327,"outlet":1328,"published_on":1222},111,"https:\u002F\u002Farticles.listnr.com\u002Fnews\u002Faltona-tobacconist-subject-of-second-arson-attack-in-just-two-days\u002F","Listnr",{"id":1330,"url":1331,"outlet":1332,"published_on":1333},110,"https:\u002F\u002Farticles.listnr.com\u002Fnews\u002Faltona-tobacconist-believed-to-be-latest-targeted-in-firebombing-attacks\u002F","LiSTNR News","2026-04-16",{"id":1255,"occurred_on":1335,"incident_type":209,"title":1336,"summary":1337,"lat":1313,"lng":1314,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1315,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1338},"2024-01-12","Altona tobacconist firebombed twice in 24 hours","A tobacconist on Pier Street, Altona, was targeted twice within a day by arsonists who drove a car into the shopfront and set it alight, after a failed attempt to torch the store the night before.",[1339,1340,1341,1344,1345],{"id":1294,"url":1295,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1291,"url":1292,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1342,"url":1343,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},112,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fwe-just-need-action-convenience-stores-want-tough-response-to-arson-attacks-20240112-p5eww2.html",{"id":1219,"url":1220,"outlet":1221,"published_on":1222},{"id":1227,"url":1228,"outlet":118,"published_on":1222},{"id":1265,"occurred_on":1335,"incident_type":209,"title":1347,"summary":1348,"lat":1349,"lng":1350,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1351,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1352},"Sunshine tobacco store set alight","A tobacco store in Sunshine was reportedly set alight, one of the incidents police attributed to the organised illicit-tobacco arson campaign when announcing charges.",-37.79,144.8,"Sunshine West",[1353,1354,1355],{"id":1291,"url":1292,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1219,"url":1220,"outlet":1221,"published_on":1222},{"id":1227,"url":1228,"outlet":118,"published_on":1222},{"id":1270,"occurred_on":1335,"incident_type":67,"title":1357,"summary":1358,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1359},"Five arrested over festive-season tobacco arson attacks","Police allege they arrested four men and a teenager, said to have links to organised crime, over five arson attacks on tobacco stores and a cafe across Melbourne between Christmas and 12 January, including a tobacconist on Pier Street, Altona, targeted twice in 24 hours.",[1360],{"id":1361,"url":1362,"outlet":1363,"published_on":16},113,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theaustralian.com.au\u002Fnation\u002Ffour-men-one-teen-with-links-to-outlaw-bikie-gang-finks-arrested-over-arson-attacks\u002Fnews-story\u002F817de21405733773830b2892995f1209","The Australian",{"id":1281,"occurred_on":1335,"incident_type":67,"title":1365,"summary":1366,"lat":1367,"lng":1368,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1216,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1369},"Five arrested over series of tobacco arson attacks","AFP and Victoria Police arrested five males allegedly linked to arson attacks on tobacco stores including in Moe (regional Victoria), plus Croydon, Altona North, Altona and Sunshine.",-38.172,146.268,[1370],{"id":1219,"url":1220,"outlet":1221,"published_on":1222},{"id":1291,"occurred_on":1222,"incident_type":67,"title":1372,"summary":1373,"lat":1374,"lng":1375,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1278,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1376},"Five charged over tobacco-war arson attacks, alleged organised-crime figures among them","Victoria Police charged five males over a series of arson attacks linked to the tobacco wars, with several alleged to be members of an organised-crime group. Those charged came from Werribee, Templestowe, Albion and Point Cook and faced numerous counts of criminal damage by fire; a was interviewed and released pending inquiries. Investigators said Taskforce Lunar held 28 active arson investigations at the time.",-37.9,144.66,[1377,1378],{"id":1219,"url":1220,"outlet":1221,"published_on":1222},{"id":1224,"url":1225,"outlet":490,"published_on":1222},{"id":1294,"occurred_on":1380,"incident_type":256,"title":1381,"summary":1382,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1383},"2024-01-14","Melbourne tobacco shop fire, third in a week","Firefighters battled a fire at a Melbourne tobacco shop, dodging exploding fireworks stored inside, in what was reported as the third tobacco shop fire in the city within a week.",[1384,1387],{"id":1385,"url":1386,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},114,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.9news.com.au\u002Fvideos\u002Fnational\u002Fanother-tobacco-shop-targeted-in-melbourne\u002Fclrd86yi1000o0jo0m5a4pmkl",{"id":1388,"url":1389,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},115,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.9news.com.au\u002Fvideos\u002Fnational\u002Fmelbourne-tobacco-store-set-on-fire-in-third-attack-this-week\u002Fclrcis2it000j0jo09cz2eim8",{"id":1303,"occurred_on":1380,"incident_type":209,"title":1391,"summary":1392,"lat":844,"lng":845,"location_precision":547,"suburb":846,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1393},"Fireworks explode as fire guts Craigieburn tobacco shop","A suspicious fire at a tobacco shop at the corner of Smeaton Court and Bridgewater Road in Craigieburn triggered exploding fireworks and gas bottles that hurled shrapnel and debris into neighbouring properties about 3:30am; no one was injured. Police were investigating whether the blaze was linked to a wider string of arson attacks tied to Victoria's illicit tobacco turf war.",[1394,1397,1398,1401],{"id":1395,"url":1396,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},116,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-01-14\u002Fcraigieburn-tobacco-store-fire-shrapnel-residents\u002F103318086",{"id":1291,"url":1292,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1399,"url":1400,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},759,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-01-14\u002Fexplosions-heard-from-craigieburn-tobacco-shop-fire\u002F103318448",{"id":1402,"url":1403,"outlet":490,"published_on":1380},117,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8485349\u002Fblasts-heard-amid-melbourne-tobacco-shop-fire\u002F",{"id":1318,"occurred_on":1405,"incident_type":256,"title":1406,"summary":1407,"lat":1408,"lng":598,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1409,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1410},"2024-01-19","Point Cook tobacco shop targeted in suspected arson, man charged","A tobacco business on Murnong Street at Point Cook Town Centre was allegedly set on fire shortly before 6am; firefighters found a broken window, a petrol can and gloves inside, with the premises full of smoke and minor damage. A man was later charged with criminal damage by fire and other offences and was due to face Melbourne Magistrates Court.",-37.89,"Point Cook",[1411,1415,1420,1423],{"id":1412,"url":1413,"outlet":1414,"published_on":1405},118,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wyndhamtv.com.au\u002Farson-strikes-point-cook-tobacco-shop-in-ongoing-melbourne-attacks\u002F","Wyndham TV",{"id":1416,"url":1417,"outlet":1418,"published_on":1419},119,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.newcastleherald.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8546372\u002Fman-charged-after-arson-at-melbourne-tobacco-shop\u002F","Newcastle Herald (ACM)","2024-03-06",{"id":1421,"url":1422,"outlet":118,"published_on":1419},120,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-charge-man-after-point-cook-arson-attack-1188249\u002F",{"id":1424,"url":1425,"outlet":1414,"published_on":1419},121,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wyndhamtv.com.au\u002Fman-charged-after-tobacco-store-arson-attack-in-point-cook\u002F",{"id":1321,"occurred_on":1405,"incident_type":209,"title":1427,"summary":1428,"lat":1429,"lng":1430,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1431,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1432},"Bendigo tobacco store rammed and firebombed","Police allege a man drove a red Mazda into a tobacco store at Hargreaves Mall, Bendigo before setting it alight, causing significant damage.",-36.757,144.2794,"Bendigo",[1433],{"id":1434,"url":1435,"outlet":118,"published_on":1436},122,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-charge-man-after-bendigo-tobacco-store-1349927\u002F","2024-11-04",{"id":1330,"occurred_on":1438,"incident_type":256,"title":1439,"summary":1440,"lat":1441,"lng":1442,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1431,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1443},"2024-01-29","Free Choice tobacconist destroyed in ram-raid and fire, Hargreaves Mall, Bendigo","A Free Choice tobacconist in Hargreaves Mall was gutted after, police allege, a car was driven into the storefront in a ram-raid before the premises was set alight about 4:50am. No one was inside; the blaze forced the temporary closure of much of the mall. Detectives treated it as suspicious and linked it to the broader tobacco-war arson pattern; two people were later charged.",-36.759644,144.27861,[1444,1445,1446,1450,1455,1456],{"id":1098,"url":1099,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1101,"url":1102,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1447,"url":1448,"outlet":1449,"published_on":1438},123,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bendigoadvertiser.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8501421\u002Fsuspicious-fire-at-tobacco-store-on-hargreaves-mall-bendigo\u002F","Bendigo Advertiser",{"id":1451,"url":1452,"outlet":1453,"published_on":1454},125,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bluemountainsgazette.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8506086\u002Farson-charges-over-burgertory-and-bendigo-tobacco-store-fires\u002F","Blue Mountains Gazette (ACM)","2024-02-01",{"id":1434,"url":1435,"outlet":118,"published_on":1436},{"id":1457,"url":1458,"outlet":1449,"published_on":1459},124,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bendigoadvertiser.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8810695\u002Fhargreaves-mall-tobacco-shop-fire-second-man-to-face-court\u002F","2024-11-05",{"id":1326,"occurred_on":1461,"incident_type":67,"title":1462,"summary":1463,"lat":1464,"lng":1465,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1466,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1467},"2024-01-30","Alleged ringleader of Melbourne tobacco war arrested","Police arrested a man they allege coordinated a series of arson attacks on tobacco shops, restaurants and other businesses across Melbourne on behalf of an overseas crime boss. Investigators allege he organised fires at several businesses between October and December 2023 as part of a network conflict over the illicit tobacco market.",-37.69788,145.0588,"Bundoora",[1468,1471,1472,1473],{"id":1469,"url":1470,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},126,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.9news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria-news-police-arrest-alleged-ringleader-of-melbourne-tobacco-wars-thats-led-to-dozens-of-arson-attacks\u002F3bcfd073-5087-4650-8953-1fae702defb5",{"id":894,"url":895,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},{"id":946,"url":947,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1474,"url":1475,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},127,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fpolice-arrest-man-they-believe-ordered-six-melbourne-firebombings-20240130-p5f15v.html",{"id":1342,"occurred_on":1461,"incident_type":256,"title":1477,"summary":1478,"lat":352,"lng":353,"location_precision":13,"suburb":354,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1479},"Tobacco store ram-raided in Melbourne's north","Police allege an offender rammed a car into the roller door of a tobacco store in Fawkner and attempted to set the vehicle alight before fleeing on foot. No one was inside the store at the time.",[1480,1483,1486],{"id":1481,"url":1482,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},128,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.9news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Ffawkner-melbourne-tobacco-store-targeted-in-ramraid\u002Fba9e1426-5090-4309-8687-e3f453d1aa4d",{"id":1484,"url":1485,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},763,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fleader\u002Fnorth-west\u002Ftobacco-shop-on-major-rd-in-fawkner-attacked-in-a-ram-raid\u002Fnews-story\u002F8fc99e396cf2bc0cbf442e7e50218ff3",{"id":1487,"url":1488,"outlet":218,"published_on":1461},129,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3aw.com.au\u002Femergency-services-at-the-scene-of-a-shop-fire-in-melbournes-north2\u002F",{"id":1361,"occurred_on":1461,"incident_type":42,"title":1490,"summary":1491,"lat":1492,"lng":1493,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1494,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1495},"Police seize huge tobacco haul in Campbellfield raid","Police executing warrants linked to the tobacco-war arson investigation raided a property in Campbellfield and seized 615 kilograms of loose tobacco, 725,000 cigarettes and more than 1000 vapes.",-37.6636,144.96033,"Campbellfield",[1496],{"id":946,"url":947,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1385,"occurred_on":1461,"incident_type":42,"title":1498,"summary":1499,"lat":1500,"lng":1501,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1502,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1503},"Man charged after guns seized at panel-beating business","A man was charged after police seized two rifles, a handgun and an imitation firearm from his panel-beating business during raids by the taskforce investigating tobacco-war arson attacks.",-37.682198,145.00821,"Thomastown",[1504],{"id":946,"url":947,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1506,"occurred_on":1461,"incident_type":67,"title":1507,"summary":1508,"lat":1509,"lng":1510,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1511,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1512},604,"Men charged after raids over Melbourne tobacco-shop fires and extortion","Police charged a person with arson and extortion linked to fires in Melbourne's illicit-tobacco dispute after raids in northern suburbs, and another person faced firearms offences. Taskforce Lunar reportedly had dozens of related arson investigations.",-37.637753,145.02657,"Epping",[1513],{"id":1514,"url":1515,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},762,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-01-31\u002Fmelbourne-man-charged-over-tobacco-shop-fires\u002F103408034",{"id":1388,"occurred_on":1517,"incident_type":67,"title":1518,"summary":1519,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1520},"2024-01-31","Two men charged over Caulfield and Bendigo tobacco shop fires","Police arrested and charged two men, with arson and other offences over the alleged firebombing of a Caulfield restaurant and a Bendigo tobacco shop blaze.",[1521,1522,1526],{"id":1098,"url":1099,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1523,"url":1524,"outlet":1525,"published_on":16},768,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fvic\u002Fvictoria-news-police-arrest-alleged-ringleader-of-melbourne-tobacco-wars-thats-led-to-dozens-of-arson-attacks-20240130-p5yz6o.html","Nine.com.au",{"id":1527,"url":1528,"outlet":1529,"published_on":16},769,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.inkl.com\u002Fnews\u002Fmen-face-court-after-tobacco-shop-arson-probe","inkl",{"id":1395,"occurred_on":1454,"incident_type":256,"title":1531,"summary":1532,"lat":1533,"lng":1534,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1535,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1536},"Tobacconist destroyed by fire on Little Bridge Street, Bakery Hill (Ballarat)","A tobacconist near the intersection of Little Bridge Street in Bakery Hill was destroyed by fire, the first of three Ballarat tobacco-shop blazes in February 2024. Detectives from Taskforce Lunar treated it as a targeted attack allegedly linked to organised-crime conflict over the illicit tobacco trade.",-37.56,143.87,"Bakery Hill",[1537,1542,1545,1549],{"id":1538,"url":1539,"outlet":1540,"published_on":1541},130,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hepburnadvocate.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8542088\u002Fteenagers-charged-in-ballarat-tobacco-shop-fire-case\u002F","The Advocate (Hepburn)","2024-03-01",{"id":1543,"url":1544,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},131,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-02-15\u002Fsecond-tobacco-store-fire-in-ballarat\u002F103468938",{"id":1546,"url":1547,"outlet":1548,"published_on":1454},133,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thecourier.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8505769\u002Fpolice-investigate-fire-that-destroyed-ballarat-tobacco-store\u002F","The Courier (Ballarat)",{"id":1550,"url":1551,"outlet":1548,"published_on":1552},132,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thecourier.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8537916\u002Fsturt-street-tobacco-shop-set-on-fire-third-in-ballarat\u002F","2024-02-28",{"id":1402,"occurred_on":1554,"incident_type":67,"title":1555,"summary":1556,"lat":889,"lng":890,"location_precision":13,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1557},"2024-02-02","Two charged, guns and tobacco seized in Taskforce Lunar operation","Police allege two men were part of a network directing arson attacks on tobacco retailers, charging them after seizing firearms and illicit tobacco in a Taskforce Lunar investigation spanning Melbourne's north.",[1558],{"id":1559,"url":1560,"outlet":1561,"published_on":1554},134,"https:\u002F\u002Faacs.org.au\u002Ftwo-men-charged-and-guns-and-tobacco-seized-as-part-of-taskforce-lunar-investigation\u002F","AACS (Victoria Police release)",{"id":1563,"occurred_on":1564,"incident_type":42,"title":1565,"summary":1566,"lat":104,"lng":105,"location_precision":13,"suburb":32,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1567},608,"2024-02-05","Sydney raids seize 30,000 illegal vapes and tobacco products worth $1.1m","Health authorities raided about 60 retailers in south-east Sydney and seized more than 30,000 e-cigarettes, over 100,000 cigarettes and other nicotine products valued at about $1.1 million. Authorities said they would consider charges against retailers.",[1568],{"id":1569,"url":1570,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},772,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-02-06\u002Fnsw-health-tga-raid-e-cigarettes-vapes-vaping-sydney-tobacco\u002F103430412",{"id":1412,"occurred_on":1572,"incident_type":209,"title":1573,"summary":1574,"lat":1575,"lng":1576,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1095,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1577},"2024-02-09","Caulfield tobacco store rammed and firebombed","Police allege offenders reversed a stolen vehicle into the shopfront of a tobacco store on Glenhuntly Road, Caulfield before setting it alight; the store and an apartment above were damaged.",-37.8778,145.0247,[1578,1581],{"id":1579,"url":1580,"outlet":118,"published_on":1572},135,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-investigate-suspicious-fire-in-caulfield-1170758\u002F",{"id":1582,"url":1583,"outlet":1525,"published_on":16},758,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fcaulfield-police-investigate-suspicious-tobacco-shop-fire-20240209-p5yzij.html",{"id":1416,"occurred_on":1585,"incident_type":209,"title":1586,"summary":1587,"lat":1588,"lng":1589,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1590,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1591},"2024-02-11","Seville tobacconist rammed and set alight on Warburton Highway","Police allege offenders drove a vehicle into a tobacconist shopfront on Warburton Highway, Seville, just before 2am before the premises caught fire. The store was destroyed; neighbouring businesses sustained smoke, heat and water damage. An arson chemist attended the scene.",-37.777874,145.45912,"Seville",[1592],{"id":1593,"url":1594,"outlet":1595,"published_on":1596},136,"https:\u002F\u002Fupperyarra.mailcommunity.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-02-12\u002Fseville-tobacco-shop-set-alight-as-car-crashes-through-shopfront\u002F","Upper Yarra Star Mail","2024-02-12",{"id":1421,"occurred_on":1598,"incident_type":256,"title":1599,"summary":1600,"lat":1601,"lng":1602,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1192,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1603},"2024-02-14","Morwell tobacco store gutted by suspicious fire","Police allege an offender spread accelerant through a tobacconist on Commercial Road in Morwell before setting it alight and fleeing in a car. The store had reportedly been raided by police months earlier. No injuries were reported.",-38.236313,146.39665,[1604],{"id":1543,"url":1544,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":1606,"occurred_on":1598,"incident_type":67,"title":1607,"summary":1608,"lat":844,"lng":845,"location_precision":13,"suburb":846,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1609},603,"Two arrested after alleged firebombing threats to Craigieburn convenience store","Police charged two people after a staff member at a Craigieburn store was allegedly threatened in an incident linked to Melbourne's tobacco-related conflict. Charges included extortion and threats to destroy or endanger property.",[1610,1613],{"id":1611,"url":1612,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},760,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-02-15\u002Fmelbourne-tobacco-store-extortion-charges-craigieburn-men-charge\u002F103470580",{"id":1614,"url":1615,"outlet":1525,"published_on":16},761,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fvictoria-news-police-arrest-two-after-melbourne-convenience-store-allegedly-threatened-with-firebombing-attack-20240215-p5yzpe.html",{"id":1424,"occurred_on":1617,"incident_type":209,"title":1618,"summary":1619,"lat":1620,"lng":1621,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1535,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1622},"2024-02-15","Bakery Hill tobacco store fire and Curtis Street ram-raid, Ballarat","A tobacco store at the intersection of Little Bridge and Peel streets in Bakery Hill was destroyed by fire about 6:15am, with two adjoining buildings also razed. A nearby tobacco store on Curtis Street was ram-raided the same morning, and two burnt-out vehicles were later found at Queen Street South and Scott Parade, Ballarat East. Taskforce Lunar treated the incidents as linked, targeted attacks tied to the tobacco wars.",-37.563747,143.86569,[1623,1626,1629,1634],{"id":1624,"url":1625,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},137,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.9news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fballarat-two-tobacco-stores-damaged-after-suspicious-shop-fire-and-ram-raid\u002F4f9f8b82-3f84-49e5-9350-e9a04141f6c4",{"id":1627,"url":1628,"outlet":118,"published_on":1617},138,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fballarat-shop-fire-and-ram-raid-under-victoria-1174308\u002F",{"id":1630,"url":1631,"outlet":1632,"published_on":1633},139,"https:\u002F\u002Fground.news\u002Farticle\u002Fsecond-tobacco-shop-fire-in-ballarat-just-two-weeks-after-first-as-taskforce-lunar-investigates","Ground News \u002F The Courier","2024-02-16",{"id":1538,"url":1539,"outlet":1540,"published_on":1541},{"id":1434,"occurred_on":1617,"incident_type":209,"title":1636,"summary":1637,"lat":1638,"lng":1639,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1640,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1641},"Bakery Hill tobacco shop destroyed, second Ballarat store ram-raided same morning","A tobacco shop (Smoke N Gifts) at Little Bridge\u002FPeel Street, Bakery Hill, was destroyed by fire about 6.10am, destroying two adjoining buildings. About ten minutes later a second tobacconist on Curtis Street was ram-raided, with the vehicle failing to gain entry. Two burnt-out vehicles were later found nearby. Taskforce Lunar linked all the incidents to the illicit tobacco trade turf war, coming exactly two weeks after the Little Bridge Street fire.",-37.56148,143.8548,"Ballarat",[1642,1643,1644,1647,1648,1651],{"id":1624,"url":1625,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},{"id":1543,"url":1544,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":1645,"url":1646,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},140,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fbuildings-destroyed-as-arsonists-hit-ballarat-tobacco-shops-20240215-p5f548.html",{"id":1627,"url":1628,"outlet":118,"published_on":1617},{"id":1649,"url":1650,"outlet":1548,"published_on":1617},141,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thecourier.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8522121\u002Femergency-services-battle-early-morning-blaze-in-bakery-hill\u002F",{"id":1550,"url":1551,"outlet":1548,"published_on":1552},{"id":1447,"occurred_on":1617,"incident_type":89,"title":1653,"summary":1654,"lat":1655,"lng":1656,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1657,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1658},"Ram raid on Brisbane tobacconist repelled by armed staff","Ram raiders struck a tobacconist in Browns Plains, Brisbane, in the early hours of the morning; CCTV captured two men wielding machetes charging out of the store in defence.",-27.661142,153.04216,"Browns Plains",[1659],{"id":345,"url":346,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":1457,"occurred_on":1661,"incident_type":8,"title":1662,"summary":1663,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1664},"2024-02-19","Alleged network lieutenant released on bail in luxury cars","A man accused of being a regional lieutenant for a crime network was released on bail from Melbourne Assessment Prison and collected by associates in a Rolls-Royce and a Lamborghini.",[1665],{"id":949,"url":950,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1451,"occurred_on":1667,"incident_type":209,"title":1668,"summary":1669,"lat":763,"lng":1670,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1502,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1671},"2024-02-22","Thomastown reception centre firebombed with stolen vehicle","The Emerald Reception Centre in Thomastown was firebombed using a Ford Ranger stolen two days earlier in Wonga Park; the vehicle was found burnt out in Bundoora about 30 minutes later. Police allege the attack is linked to the wider tobacco-trade arson campaign.",145.01,[1672,1676],{"id":1673,"url":1674,"outlet":1675,"published_on":1541},142,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mandurahmail.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8541181\u002Ffour-teens-arrested-over-tobacco-war-firebombings\u002F","Mandurah Mail (ACM)",{"id":1677,"url":1678,"outlet":833,"published_on":1541},143,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8541181\u002Ffour-teens-arrested-over-tobacco-war-firebombings\u002F",{"id":1469,"occurred_on":1680,"incident_type":256,"title":1681,"summary":1682,"lat":1638,"lng":1639,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1640,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1683},"2024-02-27","Tobacco shop firebombed in Ballarat, man escapes unhurt","A tobacco shop in Ballarat was set alight in an arson attack overnight; a man inside the shop at the time escaped without injury.",[1684],{"id":1685,"url":1686,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},144,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fkey-insiders-arrested-over-15m-tobacco-import-linked-to-underworld-war-20240228-p5f8ci.html",{"id":1474,"occurred_on":1680,"incident_type":67,"title":1688,"summary":1689,"lat":1690,"lng":1691,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1692,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1693},"Six charged over alleged $15 million illicit tobacco import (Operation Tyers)","After the ABF intercepted about 10 million cigarettes shipped from Vietnam (arriving 3 February), search warrants were executed on 27 February at homes and businesses in Melbourne's western suburbs. Six men from Point Cook, Fraser Rise, Truganina, Altona Meadows, Craigieburn and Tarneit were charged over the alleged $15 million importation and faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on 28 February.",-37.82,144.74,"Truganina",[1694],{"id":1695,"url":1696,"outlet":1221,"published_on":1552},145,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.afp.gov.au\u002Fnews-centre\u002Fmedia-release\u002Fsix-people-arrested-over-alleged-15-million-illicit-tobacco-import",{"id":1481,"occurred_on":1680,"incident_type":256,"title":1698,"summary":1699,"lat":1700,"lng":1701,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1702,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1703},"Attempted arson at Mill Park restaurant using stolen vehicle","Offenders allegedly used a stolen Isuzu D-Max to attempt an arson attack on a restaurant in Mill Park, part of the same string of incidents as the Thomastown reception centre and Ballarat tobacconist fires. Police allege the incidents are connected to the illicit tobacco trade conflict.",-37.66,145.07,"Mill Park",[1704,1705,1709,1710],{"id":1673,"url":1674,"outlet":1675,"published_on":1541},{"id":1706,"url":1707,"outlet":1708,"published_on":16},147,"https:\u002F\u002Ftlnews.com.au\u002Ffour-more-teens-arrested-following-ballarat-mill-park-arson-attacks\u002F","The Local",{"id":1677,"url":1678,"outlet":833,"published_on":1541},{"id":1711,"url":1712,"outlet":118,"published_on":1541},146,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ffour-minors-seized-following-arson-attacks-in-1185081\u002F",{"id":1487,"occurred_on":1680,"incident_type":256,"title":1714,"summary":1715,"lat":1716,"lng":1717,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1718,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1719},"Brunswick reception centre firebombed","A reception centre on William Street, Brunswick, caught fire just after 5am in what Taskforce Lunar detectives believe was a targeted arson linked to the illicit tobacco trade conflict, coming less than a week after similar attacks on two other venues.",-37.77,144.96,"Brunswick",[1720,1724],{"id":1721,"url":1722,"outlet":1723,"published_on":1552},148,"https:\u002F\u002Fbrunswickvoice.com.au\u002Ftargeted-attack-reception-centre-goes-up-in-flames\u002F","Brunswick Voice",{"id":1725,"url":1726,"outlet":1727,"published_on":1680},149,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thesenior.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8536380\u002Ftobacco-war-grows-with-another-reception-centre-fire\u002F","The Senior (AAP wire)",{"id":1538,"occurred_on":1680,"incident_type":67,"title":1729,"summary":1730,"lat":1731,"lng":1732,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1409,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1733},"Six arrested over alleged $15 million illicit tobacco importation","Federal police allege six men across Melbourne's western and northern suburbs conspired to import roughly 10 million illicit cigarettes worth an estimated $15 million, charging them with importation and proceeds-of-crime offences.",-37.914,144.752,[1734],{"id":1695,"url":1696,"outlet":1221,"published_on":1552},{"id":1543,"occurred_on":1552,"incident_type":67,"title":1736,"summary":1737,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1738},"Six arrested after $15 million illicit cigarette shipment seized","Six men were arrested in early morning raids after police intercepted a shipment of 10 million illicit cigarettes valued at about $15 million. Investigators allege two of the men used trusted positions at freight and transport companies to help evade detection.",[1739,1740],{"id":1685,"url":1686,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1741,"url":1742,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},770,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-02-28\u002F10-million-illegal-tobacco-import-arrests\u002F103520546",{"id":1550,"occurred_on":1552,"incident_type":209,"title":1744,"summary":1745,"lat":1746,"lng":1747,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1748,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1749},"The Smoke Shop firebombed then rammed in Lara, near Geelong","The Smoke Shop in The Centreway, Lara, suffered minor damage in a weekend firebombing before a car was driven into the shopfront just before 4am on 28 February 2024. The operator, who reportedly refused demands for protection payments and to stock illicit tobacco, closed the store permanently. Police were examining possible links to Victoria's tobacco wars.",-38.024185,144.40874,"Lara",[1750,1751,1755,1760],{"id":1685,"url":1686,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1752,"url":1753,"outlet":1754,"published_on":1552},151,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bay939.com.au\u002Flocal-news\u002Fcar-driven-into-lara-tobacco-store\u002F","Bay 93.9 (Geelong)",{"id":1756,"url":1757,"outlet":1758,"published_on":1759},150,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.krock.com.au\u002Flocal-news\u002Fdriven-out-lara-shop-closes-after-firebombing-ramming\u002F","K Rock 95.5 (Geelong)","2024-02-29",{"id":1761,"url":1762,"outlet":961,"published_on":1759},152,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bay939.com.au\u002Flocal-news\u002Fdriven-out-lara-shop-closes-after-firebombing-ramming\u002F",{"id":1546,"occurred_on":1552,"incident_type":256,"title":1764,"summary":1765,"lat":1533,"lng":1766,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1767,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1768},"Sturt Street tobacco shop set alight, third Ballarat fire in a month","A building on Sturt Street (opposite Ballarat Base Hospital) housing a Tobacco Station outlet was extensively damaged by fire about 3:35am, with a neighbouring shop also damaged; one person inside escaped uninjured. A burnt-out vehicle was found minutes later on nearby Turpie Street. Police treated it as a targeted attack and the third Ballarat tobacconist fire in February 2024.",143.85,"Ballarat Central",[1769,1770],{"id":1550,"url":1551,"outlet":1548,"published_on":1552},{"id":1538,"url":1539,"outlet":1540,"published_on":1541},{"id":1559,"occurred_on":1552,"incident_type":256,"title":1772,"summary":1773,"lat":1774,"lng":1775,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1640,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1776},"Ballarat tobacconist firebombed with same stolen vehicle","Police allege the same stolen Isuzu D-Max used in the Mill Park attempted arson the day before was used to significantly damage a tobacconist on Sturt Street, Ballarat; the vehicle was later found burnt out.",-37.561,143.86,[1777,1778],{"id":1550,"url":1551,"outlet":1548,"published_on":1552},{"id":1711,"url":1712,"outlet":118,"published_on":1541},{"id":1579,"occurred_on":1541,"incident_type":209,"title":1780,"summary":1781,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1782},"Melbourne tobacco store rammed and set alight a day after earlier firebombing","Police say a Melbourne tobacco store was targeted for a second consecutive day, with a car rammed into the business and set alight one day after an earlier firebombing at the same store.",[1783],{"id":1784,"url":1785,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},153,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Fsunrise\u002Fmelbourne-tobacco-store-targeted-a-day-after-firebomb-bc-6344700831112",{"id":1593,"occurred_on":1541,"incident_type":42,"title":1787,"summary":1788,"lat":1789,"lng":1790,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1791,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1792},"Vapes seized from tobacco store at Benowa, Gold Coast","Seven months after the initial central Queensland raids, authorities seized 158 vapes from another store of the same tobacco chain at Benowa on the Gold Coast, shortly before the company's directorship changed.",-28.003605,153.38304,"Benowa",[1793,1794],{"id":242,"url":251,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":669,"url":679,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":1624,"occurred_on":1541,"incident_type":67,"title":1796,"summary":1797,"lat":1533,"lng":1775,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1767,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1798},"Four teenagers arrested over Ballarat tobacco arsons","Taskforce Lunar detectives arrested four teenagers at homes in Springvale, Mulgrave and Pakenham over alleged Ballarat tobacco-shop arsons and a Mill Park restaurant fire. One alleged offender was charged with criminal damage by fire, conduct endangering life and vehicle theft; police said crime groups were recruiting children online.",[1799],{"id":1538,"url":1539,"outlet":1540,"published_on":1541},{"id":1627,"occurred_on":1541,"incident_type":8,"title":1801,"summary":1802,"lat":1774,"lng":1775,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1640,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1803},"Teens charged over Ballarat tobacco shop fires","Four teenagers were arrested and charged in the Children's Court over a Ballarat tobacco fire and a related attempted arson, with police alleging organised crime recruited children online.",[1804],{"id":1538,"url":1539,"outlet":1540,"published_on":1541},{"id":1806,"occurred_on":1807,"incident_type":256,"title":1808,"summary":1809,"lat":1810,"lng":1811,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1702,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1812},607,"2024-03-02","Mill Park restaurant torched again; police probe illicit-tobacco conflict link","A restaurant in Mill Park was set on fire a second time, with a security guard allegedly threatened with a firearm. Police linked related charges and fires, including a Ballarat tobacco shop fire, to the illicit-tobacco conflict.",-37.664043,145.06493,[1813],{"id":1814,"url":1815,"outlet":1816,"published_on":16},771,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbourne-restaurant-torched-again-as-police-investigate-link-to-illicit-tobacco-conflict-c-13801169","7news.com.au",{"id":1630,"occurred_on":1818,"incident_type":256,"title":1819,"summary":1820,"lat":1821,"lng":1822,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1511,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1823},"2024-03-08","Suspicious fire at Epping vape and tobacco store","Detectives reportedly investigated whether a vape and tobacco store on Millers Road, Epping was the target of an arson attack after a suspicious fire broke out about 5:30am; Taskforce Lunar attended the scene.",-37.647,145.02,[1824],{"id":1825,"url":1826,"outlet":838,"published_on":1827},154,"https:\u002F\u002Fau.news.yahoo.com\u002Fcops-probe-tobacco-wars-fire-235300629.html","2024-03-14",{"id":1645,"occurred_on":1829,"incident_type":256,"title":1830,"summary":1831,"lat":1053,"lng":1054,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1055,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1832},"2024-03-11","Tobacconist set alight at Elizabeth Street and Beaudesert Road, Acacia Ridge","About 1:45am, emergency services were called to a structure fire at a tobacconist on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Beaudesert Road, Acacia Ridge. Police investigations suggest the business had been broken into before the fire started. Vision of suspects was later released. A crime scene was declared.",[1833],{"id":1834,"url":1835,"outlet":1029,"published_on":1829},155,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024\u002F03\u002F11\u002Fsuspicious-fire-acacia-ridge\u002F",{"id":1837,"occurred_on":1838,"incident_type":67,"title":1839,"summary":1840,"lat":730,"lng":731,"location_precision":13,"suburb":732,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1841},606,"2024-03-12","Hoppers Crossing person charged in illicit tobacco crackdown","A person from Hoppers Crossing was charged as part of a crackdown on the illicit tobacco trade, according to local reporting.",[1842],{"id":1843,"url":1844,"outlet":1414,"published_on":16},765,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wyndhamtv.com.au\u002Fhoppers-crossing-man-charged-in-crackdown-on-illicit-tobacco-trade\u002F",{"id":1649,"occurred_on":1846,"incident_type":42,"title":1847,"summary":1848,"lat":1849,"lng":1850,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1851,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1852},"2024-03-13","Warragul tobacco store raided over alleged sales to minors","Warragul police executed a search warrant at an unregistered tobacco store on Mason Street, Warragul, seizing more than 200 vapes and 10kg of loose tobacco. Police allege the store had been selling vapes and other tobacco products to minors while trading without registration; the matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police and the ATO.",-38.1663,145.9322,"Warragul",[1853],{"id":1854,"url":1855,"outlet":1856,"published_on":1827},156,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thegazette.com.au\u002Fvapes-tobacco-seized\u002F","The Warragul and Drouin Gazette",{"id":1673,"occurred_on":1827,"incident_type":67,"title":1858,"summary":1859,"lat":789,"lng":790,"location_precision":13,"suburb":791,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1860},"Alleged standover man arrested over Glenroy tobacco shop extortion","Police raided a Hadfield home and arrested a man they allege collected $10,000 in extortion payments from a Glenroy tobacco shop owner on behalf of a crime network; he was later charged with extortion and driving offences.",[1861],{"id":1862,"url":1863,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},157,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fprosecution-witness-in-melbourne-s-tobacco-war-allegedly-firebombed-into-silence-20240708-p5jrtr.html",{"id":1677,"occurred_on":1865,"incident_type":256,"title":1866,"summary":1867,"lat":1868,"lng":1869,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1870,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1872},"2024-03-15","Medina Avenue cigarette store extensively damaged in early-morning arson","About 3.50am on Friday 15 March 2024, three offenders attended a cigarette store on Medina Avenue, Medina (Perth), and shortly after a fire started that extensively damaged the premises (about $50,000). WA Police Arson Squad investigated and appealed for dashcam of Medina Avenue. The attack fits the early WA wave of tobacco-retail arsons later tied to the illicit tobacco trade.",-32.233982,115.805374,"Medina","WA",[1873,1878],{"id":1874,"url":1875,"outlet":1876,"published_on":1877},158,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fmedina-cigarette-store-blaze-draws-emergency-1197421\u002F","WA Police \u002F Mirage News","2024-03-19",{"id":1879,"url":1880,"outlet":1881,"published_on":1865},159,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.soundtelegraph.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fsound-telegraph\u002Fsmokers-warehouse-in-medina-goes-up-in-smoke-in-early-morning-suspicious-fire-c-13963564","Sound Telegraph",{"id":1685,"occurred_on":1865,"incident_type":27,"title":1883,"summary":1884,"lat":1885,"lng":1886,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1887,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1888},"Storage-unit heist nets $1.5m in stolen cigarettes, later tied to tobacco-war network","Four men were filmed on CCTV breaking into a self-storage unit in Casula and loading boxes containing an estimated $1.5 million worth of illicit cigarettes and cigarette papers onto a truck. Police allege the theft was one of several crimes committed by an organised-crime network later charged in March 2025 over its role in Sydney's escalating illicit-tobacco turf conflict, alongside an attempted robbery of a tobacco delivery truck in nearby Guildford and an attempted break-in at a storage facility in Girraween.",-33.9333,150.9083,"Casula",[1889,1893],{"id":1890,"url":1891,"outlet":1892,"published_on":16},160,"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAlameddine_crime_network","Wikipedia",{"id":1894,"url":1895,"outlet":1896,"published_on":1897},161,"https:\u002F\u002Faapnews.aap.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fseven-arrested-after-gang-steals-1-4-tonnes-of-tobacco","AAP News","2025-03-26",{"id":1695,"occurred_on":1865,"incident_type":209,"title":1899,"summary":1900,"lat":1901,"lng":1902,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1511,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1903},"Epping vape and tobacco store firebombed","A suspicious fire broke out inside a vape and tobacco business ('Flavour House') on Millers Road, Epping, about 5:30am. CFA crews controlled the blaze within about ten minutes and Taskforce Lunar detectives investigated whether it was linked to other illicit-tobacco fires.",-37.65,145.03,[1904],{"id":1825,"url":1826,"outlet":838,"published_on":1827},{"id":1906,"occurred_on":1865,"incident_type":8,"title":1907,"summary":1908,"lat":889,"lng":890,"location_precision":13,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1909},605,"Person faces court charged over alleged Glenroy tobacco store extortion","A person faced court charged with extorting a Glenroy tobacco business owner, with police alleging cash demands tied to threats against stores. Taskforce investigators said tobacco shops were being set alight after extortion reports.",[1910],{"id":1911,"url":1912,"outlet":1913,"published_on":16},764,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fsnowman-adam-charged-with-tobacco-store-extortion-20240315-p5fcq8.html","theage.com.au",{"id":1711,"occurred_on":1915,"incident_type":349,"title":1916,"summary":1917,"lat":1918,"lng":1919,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1920,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1921},"2024-03-20","Targeted shooting of a man at a Fraser Rise dog park","About 6:43pm on Monticiano Road, a blue Audi pulled alongside a man walking his dog and two armed men in black got out and fired several shots at him; he fled on foot uninjured. Police treated it as a targeted attack and two vehicles were later found burnt out nearby. Later reporting linked the same man's repeated targeting to Melbourne's illicit-tobacco conflict.",-37.7,144.76,"Fraser Rise",[1922,1927],{"id":1923,"url":1924,"outlet":1925,"published_on":1926},162,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-investigate-fraser-rise-shooting-1199673\u002F","Mirage News \u002F Victoria Police","2024-03-21",{"id":602,"url":603,"outlet":604,"published_on":605},{"id":1929,"occurred_on":1930,"incident_type":42,"title":1931,"summary":1932,"lat":1933,"lng":1934,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1935,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1936},553,"2024-03-22","Operation Bonnybridge destroys illicit tobacco crop at Pentland Hills","The Australian Taxation Office, supported by the Australian Border Force-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce and Victoria Police's VIPER Taskforce, seized and destroyed more than 2,700kg of illicit tobacco at a property at Pentland Hills, Victoria, under Operation Bonnybridge. Officers located four acres of illicit tobacco crops with an estimated excise value of $5.2 million and seized electronic devices and CCTV footage. The operation followed a tip-off.",-37.651382,144.36957,"Pentland Hills",[1937],{"id":1938,"url":1939,"outlet":416,"published_on":16},590,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ato.gov.au\u002Fmedia-centre\u002Ftackling-the-root-of-the-problem-illicit-tobacco-destroyed",{"id":1706,"occurred_on":1941,"incident_type":209,"title":1942,"summary":1943,"lat":1944,"lng":1945,"location_precision":13,"suburb":473,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1946},"2024-03-24","Objects thrown through window of Springvale Road tobacco store","Police allege flaming objects were thrown through the window of a tobacco store on Springvale Road, Springvale, one of a string of linked tobacco-store arson attacks later probed by Taskforce Lunar.",-37.9487,145.1531,[1947],{"id":476,"url":477,"outlet":225,"published_on":478},{"id":1721,"occurred_on":1949,"incident_type":42,"title":1950,"summary":1951,"lat":1952,"lng":1953,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1954,"state":1252,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1955},"2024-04-01","NT Police seize huge illegal tobacco haul from Queensland man","Between February and June 2024, NT Police seized about 946,000 cigarettes, 12,000 nicotine vapes, 86kg of loose tobacco, 1,400 tobacco pouches, 644 nitrous oxide canisters and $580,000 cash allegedly linked to a Queensland man, who was charged over illicit tobacco sales in the Territory.",-34.097866,139.15594,"Northern Territory",[1956],{"id":1957,"url":1958,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},163,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-11-29\u002Fafp-nt-qld-tobacco-raids-8-million-dollar-assets-seizure\u002F106081638",{"id":1960,"occurred_on":1949,"incident_type":27,"title":1961,"summary":1962,"lat":1963,"lng":1964,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1965,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1966},635,"Police release CCTV of alleged extortion attempts on Hume shop in tobacco conflict probe","Victoria Police released CCTV of alleged extortion visits to a shop in Melbourne's Hume area in 2024, including demands to call a number or lose the shop. Detectives say the incidents form part of the long-running illicit-tobacco conflict investigation involving numerous firebombings.",-35.38409,149.16971,"Hume",[1967],{"id":1968,"url":1969,"outlet":1970,"published_on":16},814,"https:\u002F\u002Faapnews.aap.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fcall-or-have-no-shop-alleged-tobacco-extortion-probe","aapnews.aap.com.au",{"id":1725,"occurred_on":1972,"incident_type":209,"title":1973,"summary":1974,"lat":1975,"lng":1976,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1977,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1978},"2024-04-05","Final wave of arson attacks hits Geelong tobacco businesses","The last in a string of fires linked to the tobacco turf war before a rival network's apparent surrender occurred in Geelong, police and underworld sources say.",-38.14936,144.35979,"Geelong",[1979],{"id":436,"url":437,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":1756,"occurred_on":1972,"incident_type":256,"title":1981,"summary":1982,"lat":1918,"lng":1983,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1984,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1985},"Orbost tobacco store firebombed","Police allege two men threw an object through the front window of a tobacco store on Nicholson Street, Orbost, igniting the premises before fleeing in a silver Holden Commodore; organised-crime-linked members were later charged.",148.45,"Orbost",[1986],{"id":1987,"url":1988,"outlet":118,"published_on":1989},164,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Frebels-members-charged-over-orbost-tobacco-1216450\u002F","2024-04-17",{"id":1752,"occurred_on":1972,"incident_type":256,"title":1991,"summary":1992,"lat":1993,"lng":1994,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1995,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":1996},"Fire lit outside Belmont tobacco shop treated as targeted attack","Police reportedly treated as a targeted, suspicious attack a fire deliberately lit outside a tobacco shop at Belmont Village on High Street, Belmont (Geelong) about 12:30am; Taskforce Lunar detectives were called in.",-38.174,144.347,"Belmont",[1997],{"id":1998,"url":1999,"outlet":961,"published_on":1972},165,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bay939.com.au\u002Flocal-news\u002Ftobacco-store-fire-treated-as-suspicious\u002F",{"id":1761,"occurred_on":2001,"incident_type":27,"title":2002,"summary":2003,"lat":1963,"lng":1964,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1965,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2004},"2024-04-28","CCTV captures attempted extortion of Hume tobacco shop","Police released CCTV showing a man attending a tobacco shop in the City of Hume, asking staff if they 'know Kaz' and leaving a phone number, in what investigators allege was the start of an extortion attempt; the owner later sold the shop and moved out of his home.",[2005],{"id":2006,"url":2007,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},166,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Ftobacco-war-at-turning-point-thanks-to-informers-police-20250327-p5ln1d.html",{"id":1784,"occurred_on":2009,"incident_type":256,"title":2010,"summary":2011,"lat":1492,"lng":1493,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1494,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2012},"2024-05-01","Campbellfield restaurant firebombed days before opening","A restaurant on the Hume Highway in Campbellfield was firebombed just days before it was due to open, the first of two arson attacks on the site within the year.",[2013],{"id":2014,"url":2015,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},167,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fthere-s-people-in-the-back-neighbours-rush-to-save-pair-inside-firebombed-shop-20241101-p5kn1t.html",{"id":1825,"occurred_on":2009,"incident_type":209,"title":2017,"summary":2018,"lat":1509,"lng":1510,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1511,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2019},"Tobacco shop firebombed in Epping","A tobacco shop was firebombed in Epping, part of an ongoing wave of arson attacks tied to Melbourne's illicit tobacco turf war.",[2020],{"id":2021,"url":2022,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},168,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fwhere-there-are-smokes-there-are-fires-inside-victoria-s-tobacco-war-20240612-p5jl5e.html",{"id":1834,"occurred_on":2009,"incident_type":8,"title":2024,"summary":2025,"lat":2026,"lng":2027,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2028,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2029},"Extortion case against two alleged network members withdrawn","Prosecutors withdrew charges against two men accused of extorting a tobacco shop in Melbourne's west, with no explanation given in court.",-37.812923,144.98572,"Melbourne West",[2030],{"id":1862,"url":1863,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":2032,"occurred_on":2033,"incident_type":8,"title":2034,"summary":2035,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2036},610,"2024-05-02","Melbourne court bail bid over alleged tobacco-shop firebombing network","A person faced a Melbourne Magistrates' Court bail application while charged over numerous alleged firebombings and related offences tied to conflict over illegal tobacco. Police allege the accused played a coordinating role in attacks on businesses and properties.",[2037],{"id":2038,"url":2039,"outlet":1525,"published_on":16},777,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Ftobacco-store-arson-ring-leader-makes-bid-for-freedom-20240502-p5z20x.html",{"id":1854,"occurred_on":2041,"incident_type":349,"title":2042,"summary":2043,"lat":1918,"lng":2044,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2045,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2046},"2024-05-07","Daylight attempted execution on the M80 Ring Road at Jacana","About 12:10pm, a man driving through Jacana was ambushed at a traffic-light intersection on the M80 Ring Road; occupants of a vehicle in convoy fired shots through his window, striking him in the head and upper torso and leaving him with life-threatening injuries. Police allege the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two rival organised-crime networks involved in the illicit tobacco trade; two men were later charged with attempted murder.",144.917,"Jacana",[2047,2051],{"id":2048,"url":2049,"outlet":2050,"published_on":2041},169,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationaltribune.com.au\u002Fpolice-investigate-jacana-shooting\u002F","National Tribune \u002F Victoria Police",{"id":2052,"url":2053,"outlet":2054,"published_on":2055},170,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.newcastleherald.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8856627\u002Ftobacco-wars-ignite-as-rivals-attempt-daytime-execution\u002F","Newcastle Herald (AAP)","2024-12-22",{"id":2057,"occurred_on":2041,"incident_type":42,"title":2058,"summary":2059,"lat":2060,"lng":2061,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2062,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2063},567,"Illicit tobacco drying kilns raided at Undera in the Goulburn Valley","A Commonwealth search warrant executed at a residential address in Undera uncovered two large kilns police allege were used to dry illicit tobacco, with almost two tonnes of dried tobacco worth more than $3.5 million seized and destroyed. Several improperly stored firearms were also seized. The raid was part of a wider ATO and Victoria Police (Taskforce Lunar) operation into illicit tobacco cultivation across the Goulburn Valley, which police allege is linked to a significant leader of an organised crime network in the illicit tobacco trade.",-36.278076,145.22298,"Undera",[2064,2067,2070],{"id":2065,"url":2066,"outlet":1010,"published_on":16},618,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sheppnews.com.au\u002Fpolice-court\u002Fgoulburn-valley-properties-part-of-12-million-illicit-tobacco-raids\u002F",{"id":2068,"url":2069,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},198,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-07-01\u002Fvic-illegal-tobacco-seized-northern-victoria-melbourne\u002F104042052",{"id":2071,"url":2072,"outlet":515,"published_on":16},620,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.accountantsdaily.com.au\u002Fregulation\u002F20116-police-seize-12m-in-tobacco-after-joint-operation-with-ato",{"id":1862,"occurred_on":2074,"incident_type":256,"title":2075,"summary":2076,"lat":2077,"lng":2078,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2079,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2080},"2024-05-11","Ararat tobacco store firebombed, residents evacuated","Police allege a tobacco store on Barkly Street, Ararat was set alight, forcing evacuation of 18 people from above; one of eight tobacco-store fires investigated in a single week.",-37.2833,142.9333,"Ararat",[2081],{"id":2082,"url":2083,"outlet":118,"published_on":2084},171,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fman-detained-fake-gun-seized-in-tobacco-store-1237336\u002F","2024-05-17",{"id":1874,"occurred_on":2074,"incident_type":256,"title":2086,"summary":2087,"lat":1901,"lng":2088,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1511,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2089},"Epping tobacco store firebombed","Police allege a tobacco store on High Street, Epping was set alight the same morning as the Ararat fire, part of the same week-long spree of tobacco-store arsons.",145.0333,[2090],{"id":2082,"url":2083,"outlet":118,"published_on":2084},{"id":1879,"occurred_on":2092,"incident_type":256,"title":2093,"summary":2094,"lat":2095,"lng":2096,"location_precision":13,"suburb":791,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2097},"2024-05-12","Hadfield tobacco store firebombed","Police allege a tobacco store on East Street, Hadfield sustained significant damage in a deliberately lit fire, part of the same week-long arson spree.",-37.7167,144.9333,[2098],{"id":2082,"url":2083,"outlet":118,"published_on":2084},{"id":1890,"occurred_on":2092,"incident_type":256,"title":2100,"summary":2101,"lat":2102,"lng":2103,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2104,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2105},"Gladstone Park tobacco store firebombed","Police allege a tobacco store at a shopping centre on Gladstone Park Drive, Gladstone Park was significantly damaged by fire hours after the Hadfield attack.",-37.6978,144.8908,"Gladstone Park",[2106],{"id":2082,"url":2083,"outlet":118,"published_on":2084},{"id":1894,"occurred_on":2108,"incident_type":256,"title":2109,"summary":2110,"lat":2111,"lng":2112,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2113,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2114},"2024-05-14","Meadow Heights tobacco store firebombed","Police allege a tobacco store on Malmsbury Drive, Meadow Heights was deliberately set alight, part of the same week-long tobacco-arson spree.",-37.6333,144.9167,"Meadow Heights",[2115],{"id":2082,"url":2083,"outlet":118,"published_on":2084},{"id":1923,"occurred_on":2117,"incident_type":209,"title":2118,"summary":2119,"lat":2095,"lng":1717,"location_precision":13,"suburb":354,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2120},"2024-05-16","Fawkner tobacco store rammed while owner asleep inside","Police allege a vehicle was driven through the security door of a tobacco store on Major Road, Fawkner, while the owner was asleep inside; part of the same week-long spree.",[2121,2122],{"id":2082,"url":2083,"outlet":118,"published_on":2084},{"id":2123,"url":2124,"outlet":2125,"published_on":2084},172,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.standard.net.au\u002Fstory\u002F8632682\u002Fpolice-closer-to-nabbing-tobacco-arson-directors\u002F","The Standard",{"id":1957,"occurred_on":2084,"incident_type":256,"title":2127,"summary":2128,"lat":889,"lng":890,"location_precision":13,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2129},"Tobacco shop on Belair Avenue, Glenroy, set alight","Police allege a tobacco shop on Belair Avenue, Glenroy, was set alight, partially damaging the shopfront. Three teenagers were later arrested over the fire, the first of several attacks on the same store.",[2130,2133,2137],{"id":2131,"url":2132,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},173,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-victoria\u002Fglenroy-cigarettes-on-belair-ave-attacked-for-third-time-in-four-months\u002Fnews-story\u002Fa83a5d2b19fba23736c49c53cc6f66ca",{"id":2134,"url":2135,"outlet":118,"published_on":2136},174,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ftwo-children-arrested-after-glenroy-tobacco-1241221\u002F","2024-05-23",{"id":2138,"url":2139,"outlet":118,"published_on":2140},175,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fthird-child-arrested-after-glenroy-tobacco-1245753\u002F","2024-05-30",{"id":1987,"occurred_on":2142,"incident_type":256,"title":2143,"summary":2144,"lat":2145,"lng":2146,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2147,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2148},"2024-05-22","Attempted ram raid on tobacco store at Spring Square, Hallam","Police allege a vehicle rammed the security roller door of a tobacco store at Spring Square, Hallam, about 2.30am in an attempted burglary. The offenders were unable to access the interior and left empty-handed, a week before the store was firebombed.",-38.00611,145.26929,"Hallam",[2149,2152],{"id":2150,"url":2151,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},176,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Ftobacco-stores-in-footscray-and-hallam-set-alight-in-arson-attacks\u002Fnews-story\u002Fa7eaeb56259d3259daddeb86820a59c6",{"id":2153,"url":2154,"outlet":2155,"published_on":2156},177,"https:\u002F\u002Fendeavourhillshallamdoveton.starcommunity.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-05-29\u002Fsecond-tobacco-store-targeted-in-spring-square\u002F","Star Journal (Star Community)","2024-05-29",{"id":1998,"occurred_on":2158,"incident_type":256,"title":2159,"summary":2160,"lat":2161,"lng":2162,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1718,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2163},"2024-05-24","Parents' car firebombed in Brunswick to lure man from home","The parents of a targeted underworld figure had their car set alight in Brunswick in the early hours, allegedly to lure him from his home ahead of a shooting ambush the same morning.",-37.767048,144.96213,[2164],{"id":357,"url":358,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":2006,"occurred_on":2158,"incident_type":349,"title":2166,"summary":2167,"lat":1500,"lng":1501,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1502,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2168},"Gunman shoots at man outside Thomastown home","A gunman allegedly shot at a man, firing at him around 17 times outside his Thomastown home; he escaped by ramming his car into the gunman's BMW and survived the ambush.",[2169],{"id":357,"url":358,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":2014,"occurred_on":2156,"incident_type":209,"title":2171,"summary":2172,"lat":2173,"lng":2174,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2175,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2176},"Molotov cocktail thrown into Footscray tobacco shop","A Molotov cocktail was hurled through the window of a tobacco business on Paisley Street, Footscray, just before 3am, with offenders fleeing in a vehicle. The attack occurred within a two-hour window of a second tobacco shop fire in Hallam; Taskforce Lunar treated both as linked to the illicit tobacco trade turf war.",-37.799496,144.89726,"Footscray",[2177,2178,2181,2184],{"id":2150,"url":2151,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},{"id":2179,"url":2180,"outlet":1525,"published_on":16},774,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Ffootscray-and-hallam-tobacco-stores-firebombed-in-melbourne-as-turf-war-continues-20240529-p5z2wi.html",{"id":2182,"url":2183,"outlet":218,"published_on":2156},178,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3aw.com.au\u002Ftwo-tobacco-shops-firebombed-in-the-space-of-two-hours-overnight\u002F",{"id":2185,"url":2186,"outlet":1010,"published_on":2156},179,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sheppnews.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fmolotov-cocktail-in-two-new-tobacco-shop-arson-attacks\u002F",{"id":2021,"occurred_on":2156,"incident_type":209,"title":2188,"summary":2189,"lat":2145,"lng":2146,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2147,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2190},"Rear of Hallam tobacco outlet set alight","The rear of a tobacco outlet in Spring Square, Hallam, was set alight about 5.20am in what police called a targeted attack; no one was inside. It followed a ramming attack on another Spring Square tobacco store the previous week, part of a 15-month run of tobacco-related arsons in the area.",[2191,2192,2193,2194],{"id":2150,"url":2151,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},{"id":2153,"url":2154,"outlet":2155,"published_on":2156},{"id":2182,"url":2183,"outlet":218,"published_on":2156},{"id":2185,"url":2186,"outlet":1010,"published_on":2156},{"id":2048,"occurred_on":2156,"incident_type":42,"title":2196,"summary":2197,"lat":2198,"lng":2199,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2200,"state":2201,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2202},"Operation BARRACUDA: illicit tobacco supplier disrupted in Canberra raids","Australian Border Force and ACT Policing executed three Commonwealth search warrants at a Narrabundah residence and commercial premises in Holt and Belconnen, seizing 285,000 cigarette sticks, almost 2,000 vapes, 100kg of loose tobacco, 100 nicotine pouches and more than $14,000 cash; a man was arrested and charged with hindering a Commonwealth official.",-35.3369,149.1394,"Narrabundah","ACT",[2203,2208],{"id":2204,"url":2205,"outlet":2206,"published_on":2207},180,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fnewsroom-subsite\u002FPages\u002FMajor-illicit-tobacco-supplier-disrupted-during-Canberra-raids-31-05-24.aspx","Australian Border Force","2024-05-31",{"id":2209,"url":2210,"outlet":2211,"published_on":2207},181,"https:\u002F\u002Fregion.com.au\u002Fwatch-over-500000-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-products-allegedly-seized-during-major-canberra-raids\u002F774769\u002F","Region Canberra",{"id":2213,"occurred_on":2156,"incident_type":42,"title":2214,"summary":2215,"lat":2216,"lng":2217,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2218,"state":2201,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2219},609,"ABF and ACT Policing seize large illicit tobacco haul in Canberra raids","ABF and ACT Policing executed warrants at a Narrabundah residence and commercial premises in Holt and Belconnen, seizing hundreds of thousands of cigarettes, loose tobacco, vapes, cash and other items. A person was arrested at a Holt business and charged; bail was granted for a later court date.",-35.223106,149.0112,"Holt",[2220],{"id":2221,"url":2222,"outlet":2223,"published_on":16},776,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.c-store.com.au\u002Fvideo-massive-illicit-tobacco-seizure-in-canberra\u002F","Convenience & Impulse Retailing",{"id":2052,"occurred_on":2225,"incident_type":209,"title":2226,"summary":2227,"lat":2228,"lng":2229,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2230,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2231},"2024-06-04","Lime Avenue tobacconist firebombed in Mildura","About 3:20am a stolen Range Rover was allegedly reversed into the front of a tobacconist on Lime Avenue, Mildura, after which an accelerant was poured inside and ignited, causing a small explosion and significant damage. No one was inside. Two people were later charged by the Arson and Explosives Squad and appeared before the Ballarat court on charges including alleged criminal damage by arson, burglary and car theft.",-34.19,142.16,"Mildura",[2232,2236,2240,2244],{"id":2233,"url":2234,"outlet":1548,"published_on":2235},182,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thecourier.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8655858\u002Fduo-face-ballarat-court-for-mildura-tobacco-shop-firebombing\u002F","2024-06-11",{"id":2237,"url":2238,"outlet":2239,"published_on":2225},184,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.river1467.com.au\u002Flocal-news\u002Ftobacco-store-ramming-and-fire-in-mildura\u002F","River 1467",{"id":2241,"url":2242,"outlet":118,"published_on":2243},185,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-arrest-two-after-mildura-tobacco-store-1250767\u002F","2024-06-06",{"id":2245,"url":2246,"outlet":118,"published_on":2235},183,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-charge-two-after-mildura-tobacco-store-1251441\u002F",{"id":2082,"occurred_on":2243,"incident_type":256,"title":2248,"summary":2249,"lat":2250,"lng":2251,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2252,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2253},"Suspicious fire guts Pulteney Street tobacconist in Taree","About 4:30am on 6 June, Fire and Rescue NSW were called to a working fire with heavy smoke at a tobacconist on Pulteney Street, Taree. Crews forced entry and extinguished the blaze; the building sustained heavy smoke damage. Firefighters became suspicious of the origin. The shop had been subject to an attempted break-in the previous day. A crime scene was established. QPS later linked seized chop-chop tobacco to arsons on tobacco outlets in Kempsey and Taree.",-31.912882,152.4618,"Taree",[2254,2259,2263],{"id":2255,"url":2256,"outlet":2257,"published_on":2258},186,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.manningrivertimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8655349\u002Ftaree-tobacconist-fire-after-attempted-break-in\u002F","Manning River Times","2024-06-07",{"id":2260,"url":2261,"outlet":2262,"published_on":2243},187,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nbnnews.com.au\u002F2024\u002F06\u002F06\u002Ftaree-tobacco-store-targeted\u002F","NBN News",{"id":2264,"url":2265,"outlet":1029,"published_on":2266},188,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fmountisa\u002F2024\u002F07\u002F06\u002Ftaskforce-masher-arrests\u002F","2024-07-06",{"id":2123,"occurred_on":2243,"incident_type":209,"title":2268,"summary":2269,"lat":2270,"lng":2271,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2272,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2273},"Chapel Street convenience store firebombed in Prahran","Offenders allegedly broke into a Chapel Street store about 4am and set it alight in what police reportedly described as a targeted attack linked to the illicit tobacco trade; the store was empty and no one was hurt.",-37.85,144.99,"Prahran",[2274],{"id":2275,"url":2276,"outlet":838,"published_on":2243},189,"https:\u002F\u002Fau.news.yahoo.com\u002Fstore-burned-targeted-attack-012444854.html",{"id":2131,"occurred_on":2258,"incident_type":209,"title":2278,"summary":2279,"lat":2280,"lng":2281,"location_precision":547,"suburb":971,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2282},"Coburg tobacconist firebombed on Sydney Road","Offenders allegedly broke into a tobacconist\u002Fconvenience store on Sydney Road, Coburg, about 4:30am and set it alight. The fire caused extensive shopfront damage and collateral damage to an adjacent nightclub, including about $15,000 of DJ equipment; police treated it as a targeted attack.",-37.744995,144.96596,[2283,2286,2289,2292],{"id":2284,"url":2285,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},190,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Fmelbourne-tobacco-stores-in-coburg-footscray-set-on-fire-in-latest-attacks\u002Fnews-story\u002Fb987ad87bfe0b62b24fa5ef58c12a506",{"id":2287,"url":2288,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},773,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-06-07\u002Fvic-coburg-footscray-tobacco-store-fires-arson-police\u002F103949224",{"id":2290,"url":2291,"outlet":490,"published_on":2258},191,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8655207\u002Ffire-authorities-issue-warning-as-tobacco-war-continues\u002F",{"id":2293,"url":2294,"outlet":2295,"published_on":2258},192,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.northweststar.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8655207\u002Ffire-authorities-issue-warning-as-tobacco-war-continues\u002F","North West Star (AAP wire)",{"id":2134,"occurred_on":2258,"incident_type":256,"title":2297,"summary":2298,"lat":2173,"lng":2174,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2175,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2299},"Attempted ram raid on Footscray tobacco store","A vehicle rammed a tobacco store's security shutter in Footscray just after 3am; occupants attempted to set it alight but failed, then fled. Police linked the attempt to the same morning's Coburg tobacconist fire and the broader illicit tobacco conflict.",[2300,2301,2302],{"id":2284,"url":2285,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},{"id":2290,"url":2291,"outlet":490,"published_on":2258},{"id":2293,"url":2294,"outlet":2295,"published_on":2258},{"id":2138,"occurred_on":2258,"incident_type":349,"title":2304,"summary":2305,"lat":1500,"lng":1501,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1502,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2306},"Man's Thomastown home sprayed with bullets a second time","Two weeks after the first ambush, the same Thomastown home was again sprayed with more than 20 bullets in a drive-by shooting, though no one was home at the time.",[2307],{"id":357,"url":358,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":2150,"occurred_on":2258,"incident_type":8,"title":2309,"summary":2310,"lat":2311,"lng":2312,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2230,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2313},"Two accused over Mildura tobacco-shop firebombing refused bail","A man (32) and a woman (23) faced Ballarat Magistrates' Court over the Mildura Lime Avenue firebombing, facing 12 charges including criminal damage by arson, burglary and car theft brought by the Arson and Explosives Squad. Both alleged offenders were refused bail and remanded to reappear on 27 June 2024.",-34.1855,142.1625,[2314],{"id":2233,"url":2234,"outlet":1548,"published_on":2235},{"id":2153,"occurred_on":2235,"incident_type":256,"title":2316,"summary":2317,"lat":1374,"lng":1375,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1278,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2318},"Werribee tobacconist rammed in attempted arson","A vehicle reversed into the front security shutter of a tobacconist on Tarneit Road, Werribee, about 4am; the driver fled on foot after failing to set the store alight. Police treated it as a targeted attack linked to nearly 70 tobacco-related arsons statewide since March 2023.",[2319,2322],{"id":2320,"url":2321,"outlet":961,"published_on":2235},193,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bay939.com.au\u002Flocal-news\u002Fwyndham-shop-fire-treated-as-targeted-attack\u002F",{"id":2323,"url":2324,"outlet":2325,"published_on":2326},194,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.werribeenews.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fwerribee-hoppers-crossing-tobacco-store-wars-rage-on\u002F","The Werribee News","2024-06-12",{"id":2182,"occurred_on":2235,"incident_type":256,"title":2328,"summary":2329,"lat":2330,"lng":2331,"location_precision":547,"suburb":732,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2332},"Hoppers Crossing goods store set alight about an hour after Werribee attack","About an hour after the Werribee ramming, offenders successfully ignited a fire at a goods store (Barakat International Goods) on Costas Drive, Hoppers Crossing; a passerby extinguished the flames before serious damage occurred. Police linked it to the same night's Werribee tobacco store attack.",-37.881,144.7,[2333],{"id":2323,"url":2324,"outlet":2325,"published_on":2326},{"id":2185,"occurred_on":2335,"incident_type":42,"title":2336,"summary":2337,"lat":2338,"lng":2339,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2340,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2341},"2024-06-16","Fifty raids across Perth bust alleged illegal tobacco business","Police executed 50 search warrants at homes, storage units and shops across Western Australia and arrested 13 people over an alleged $10 million illegal tobacco business with links to an organised crime network.",-31.951263,115.85805,"Perth",[2342],{"id":2343,"url":2344,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},195,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fvictorian-tobacco-war-kingpin-s-brother-a-crime-puppeteer-police-allege-20240620-p5jnhj.html",{"id":2204,"occurred_on":2335,"incident_type":42,"title":2346,"summary":2347,"lat":2348,"lng":2349,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2350,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2351},"Taskforce Cosgrove: 50 warrants across Perth and regional WA","WA Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Border Force executed 50 search warrants over three days at homes, storage units and tobacco\u002Fconvenience\u002Fgift stores across Perth and regional WA, including confirmed sites in Armadale and Gosnells, seizing 5.9 million cigarettes, 1.4 tonnes of loose tobacco, 41,000 vapes and $1.7 million cash; nine people were charged. The taskforce was set up to probe an illicit tobacco network and related arsons in Perth allegedly linked to an organised crime group.",-32.1517,116.0166,"Armadale",[2352],{"id":2353,"url":2354,"outlet":2355,"published_on":2356},196,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.yourlocalexaminer.com.au\u002Fgangland-links-to-illegal-trade\u002F","Your Local Examiner","2024-06-19",{"id":2209,"occurred_on":230,"incident_type":42,"title":2358,"summary":2359,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2360},"Victorian raids target interstate illicit tobacco network","As part of a joint operation with Western Australian police, Victoria Police executed six search warrants at homes in Sunbury, Wollert, Collingwood, Werribee and Altona Meadows, arresting four men linked to an interstate illicit tobacco network.",[2361],{"id":2343,"url":2344,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":112,"occurred_on":230,"incident_type":42,"title":2363,"summary":2364,"lat":2365,"lng":2366,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2367,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2368},"Thirteen arrested in Victoria and WA over illicit tobacco organised-crime probe","Victoria Police warrants including in Sunbury allegedly netted millions of illicit cigarettes plus firearms and other items, with further seizures at other Melbourne addresses. In WA, police reported multi-million cigarette and cash seizures; thirteen people were arrested overall in the joint operation targeting the illegal tobacco trade.",-37.57971,144.72934,"Sunbury",[2369],{"id":2370,"url":2371,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},781,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-06-21\u002Fvictoria-police-tobacco-war-arrests-wa-police\u002F104007356",{"id":108,"occurred_on":2373,"incident_type":42,"title":2374,"summary":2375,"lat":2338,"lng":2339,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2340,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2376},"2024-06-21","Fifty raids across Perth over alleged $10m illicit tobacco network","WA Police, with partner agencies, executed about 50 warrants across Perth and regional WA and allegedly seized millions of illicit cigarettes, loose tobacco, vapes, cash and vehicles. Multiple people were arrested and charged over an alleged organised-crime linked illicit tobacco business.",[2377,2381],{"id":2378,"url":2379,"outlet":2380,"published_on":16},779,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.watoday.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fwestern-australia\u002Ffifty-raids-across-perth-as-alleged-10-million-illegal-tobacco-business-busted-20240621-p5jnnw.html","WAtoday",{"id":2382,"url":2383,"outlet":1525,"published_on":16},780,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Falleged-head-illegal-tobacco-syndicate-arrested-police-raids-20240621-p5z3o9.html",{"id":2385,"occurred_on":2386,"incident_type":67,"title":2387,"summary":2388,"lat":2389,"lng":2390,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2391,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2392},611,"2024-06-22","Driver charged after illicit tobacco, vapes and cash seized in Hunter stop","Police stopped a vehicle on the New England Highway at Parkville and allegedly found hundreds of illegal cigarette packets, vapes and more than $52,000 in cash. A driver was charged over the seizure.",-31.98224,150.86533,"Parkville",[2393],{"id":2394,"url":2395,"outlet":173,"published_on":16},778,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.newcastleherald.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8672424\u002Fdriver-faces-court-after-52k-and-illegal-tobacco-vape-bust\u002F",{"id":2233,"occurred_on":2397,"incident_type":256,"title":2398,"summary":2399,"lat":2400,"lng":2401,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2402,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2403},"2024-06-24","Tobacco and vape store firebombed, Mount Isa","Police allege two men doused the entryway of a Mount Isa tobacco and vape retail outlet with flammable liquid and set it alight overnight, causing significant damage to the front wall and interior; the store was unoccupied and no injuries occurred. Detectives from Taskforce Victor Masher suspected links to similar tobacconist arsons in NSW.",-20.7256,139.4927,"Mount Isa",[2404,2408],{"id":2405,"url":2406,"outlet":118,"published_on":2407},197,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ftaskforce-masher-arrests-1270388\u002F","2024-07-08",{"id":2409,"url":2410,"outlet":2411,"published_on":16},790,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.northwestweekly.com.au\u002Fchopped-tobacco-seized-following-mount-isa-arson-attack-2024-07-10","North West Weekly",{"id":2245,"occurred_on":2413,"incident_type":42,"title":2414,"summary":2415,"lat":2416,"lng":2417,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2418,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2419},"2024-07-01","Seven tonnes of illicit tobacco seized in Victoria operation","In a months-long joint Victoria Police-ATO operation, detectives allegedly uncovered a seven-acre illicit tobacco crop at Arcadia worth almost $9 million and nearly two tonnes of dried tobacco at Undera worth more than $3.5 million, plus seizures at a Werribee tobacco store and Altona Meadows home. A Werribee man was expected to be charged, and police allege a seized phone was linked to a senior organised crime figure.",-36.563793,145.33179,"Arcadia",[2420],{"id":2068,"url":2069,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":2065,"occurred_on":2422,"incident_type":42,"title":2423,"summary":2424,"lat":2425,"lng":2426,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2427,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2428},"2024-07-04","Taskforce Lunar seizes tonnes of illicit tobacco in Melbourne and regional Victoria raids","Victoria Police Taskforce Lunar and the ATO raided properties in Melbourne’s north-west and the state’s west, allegedly seizing more than three tonnes of illicit tobacco plus cash and firearms. Police allege links to an organised-crime group and say several men face related charges.",-37.705463,144.57458,"Melton South",[2429],{"id":2430,"url":2431,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},788,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-07-09\u002Fpolice-illegal-tobacco-raids-victoria-melbourne\u002F104073830",{"id":2237,"occurred_on":2433,"incident_type":8,"title":2434,"summary":2435,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2436},"2024-07-05","Extortion case against alleged standover man collapses in court","Prosecutors withdrew extortion charges against a man accused of collecting protection payments from a tobacco shop owner after the key witness refused to co-operate, with police citing a pattern of intimidation against victims.",[2437],{"id":1862,"url":1863,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":2241,"occurred_on":2266,"incident_type":256,"title":2439,"summary":2440,"lat":2077,"lng":2078,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2079,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2441},"Ararat tobacco store firebombed again","Police allege a suspected accelerant was doused through a tobacco store on Ingor Street, Ararat before it was set alight, a second attack in this town within Taskforce Lunar's remit.",[2442,2446,2450],{"id":2443,"url":2444,"outlet":118,"published_on":2445},199,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fteen-arrested-for-kidnapping-tobacco-store-arson-1309097\u002F","2024-09-04",{"id":2447,"url":2448,"outlet":2449,"published_on":16},782,"https:\u002F\u002Ftheweeklyadvertiser.com.au\u002Farticles\u002Flunar-detectives-investigate-ararat-tobacco-store-arson-and-landsborough-raids\u002F?section=1045","The Weekly Advertiser",{"id":2451,"url":2452,"outlet":118,"published_on":2407},200,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-probe-cohuna-ararat-tobacco-store-arsons-1270787\u002F",{"id":2255,"occurred_on":2454,"incident_type":209,"title":2455,"summary":2456,"lat":2457,"lng":2458,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2459,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2460},"2024-07-07","Cohuna business rammed and firebombed","Police allege a car was driven into a business on King George Street, Cohuna the day after the Ararat attack, then set alight, completely destroying it and damaging neighbouring shops.",-35.8,144.2167,"Cohuna",[2461],{"id":2451,"url":2452,"outlet":118,"published_on":2407},{"id":2260,"occurred_on":2463,"incident_type":89,"title":2464,"summary":2465,"lat":1141,"lng":1142,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1143,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2466},"2024-07-11","Korumburra service station ram-raided for cigarettes","A stolen vehicle was used to ram-raid a BP service station in Korumburra in the early hours of the morning, part of an overnight spree that also hit a BP in Inverloch about 30 minutes later and a service station in nearby Grantville. Police believe two offenders were involved and were investigating possible links to similar offending in Melbourne's south-east.",[2467],{"id":2468,"url":2469,"outlet":1148,"published_on":2463},201,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sgst.com.au\u002Fpolice\u002Fcigarette-raid",{"id":2264,"occurred_on":2463,"incident_type":89,"title":2471,"summary":2472,"lat":2473,"lng":2474,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2475,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2476},"Inverloch service station ram-raided for cigarettes","A BP service station in Inverloch was ram-raided for cigarettes about half an hour after a near-identical raid on a BP in Korumburra, part of an overnight spree that also struck a service station in Grantville. The Bass Coast Crime Investigation Unit believe two offenders, possibly linked to offending in Melbourne's southern suburbs, were responsible.",-38.6333,145.7333,"Inverloch",[2477],{"id":2468,"url":2469,"outlet":1148,"published_on":2463},{"id":2275,"occurred_on":2463,"incident_type":256,"title":2479,"summary":2480,"lat":2481,"lng":2482,"location_precision":547,"suburb":473,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2483},"Springvale Road tobacco shop destroyed by fire","A tobacco store on Springvale Road was fully ablaze about 4.30am in what police called a targeted attack; a car fire on Glassford Avenue, Springvale South, a short time later was believed linked. Springvale CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria brought the shop fire under control in about 14 minutes.",-37.95,145.15,[2484],{"id":2485,"url":2486,"outlet":2487,"published_on":2463},202,"https:\u002F\u002Fdandenong.starcommunity.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-07-11\u002Fspringvale-tobacco-store-hit-by-targeted-attack\u002F","Dandenong Star Journal",{"id":116,"occurred_on":2489,"incident_type":67,"title":2490,"summary":2491,"lat":2492,"lng":2493,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2459,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2494},"2024-07-19","Person arrested over alleged arson attack on Cohuna tobacco store","Police reportedly arrested a person over an alleged arson attack on a tobacco store in Cohuna.",-35.80864,144.22115,[2495],{"id":2496,"url":2497,"outlet":1414,"published_on":16},783,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wyndhamtv.com.au\u002Ftarniet-man-arrested-for-arson-attack-on-tobacco-store-in-cohuna\u002F",{"id":2284,"occurred_on":2499,"incident_type":42,"title":2500,"summary":2501,"lat":2502,"lng":2503,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2504,"state":1252,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2505},"2024-07-22","Operation Hook: 336kg illicit tobacco seized in Darwin raid","NT Police's Drug and Organised Crime Division intercepted three men loading freight - including 336kg of illicit tobacco hidden in bags labelled \"Chinese Tea\" and 111,000 illegal cigarettes - from a rental van into a vehicle at a Berrimah residential address, arresting all three. Police said illegal tobacco purchases directly fund organised crime, arson and drug trafficking.",-12.4386,130.9236,"Berrimah",[2506],{"id":2507,"url":2508,"outlet":2509,"published_on":2499},203,"https:\u002F\u002Fpfes.nt.gov.au\u002Fnewsroom\u002F2024\u002Farrests-operation-hook-darwin","NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services",{"id":2290,"occurred_on":2511,"incident_type":209,"title":2512,"summary":2513,"lat":1500,"lng":1501,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1502,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2514},"2024-07-26","Thomastown fight venue firebombed hours before boxing event","A Thomastown venue at Settlement Road due to host a boxing event linked to a targeted underworld figure's nephew was firebombed in the early hours; the person sleeping inside to guard against attack escaped injury, and the offenders' getaway car was later torched nearby in Reservoir.",[2515],{"id":357,"url":358,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":2293,"occurred_on":2517,"incident_type":209,"title":2518,"summary":2519,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2520},"2024-07-27","Melbourne smoke shop firebombed, residents escape blaze","A smoke shop was firebombed in Melbourne, with nearby residents making a lucky escape from the resulting blaze.",[2521],{"id":2522,"url":2523,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},204,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.9news.com.au\u002Fvideos\u002Fnational\u002Fresidents-make-lucky-escape-after-smoke-shop-firebombed\u002Fclz3wv66500090gqsip0vu4k9",{"id":2525,"occurred_on":2517,"incident_type":209,"title":2526,"summary":2527,"lat":2528,"lng":2529,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2530,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2531},619,"Richmond smoke shop firebombed; nearby residents escape blaze","A smoke shop in Richmond was firebombed, with residents nearby making a lucky escape from the resulting fire, police and media reported.",-37.820545,145.00352,"Richmond",[2532],{"id":2533,"url":2534,"outlet":1525,"published_on":16},791,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fmelbourne-residents-make-lucky-escape-after-smoke-shop-firebombed-20240727-p5z4qj.html",{"id":2320,"occurred_on":2536,"incident_type":89,"title":2537,"summary":2538,"lat":384,"lng":385,"location_precision":13,"suburb":386,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2539},"2024-07-31","Stolen ute driven into bollards then set alight at Strathpine tobacconist","About 10pm on 31 July, police say a white Nissan Navara utility drove into security bollards at the front of a tobacconist on Gympie Road, Strathpine, and was then set alight. A bystander was assaulted by three people who left on foot. The ute was stolen from Booval. A crime scene was declared.",[2540],{"id":2541,"url":2542,"outlet":1029,"published_on":2543},205,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024\u002F08\u002F01\u002Fappeal-for-witnesses-suspicious-fire-strathpine\u002F","2024-08-01",{"id":2323,"occurred_on":2543,"incident_type":256,"title":2545,"summary":2546,"lat":2547,"lng":2548,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2549,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2550},"Business firebombed in Sydenham amid tobacco turf war","A business was firebombed in Sydenham, one of more than 100 arson attacks linked to Victoria's illicit tobacco turf war by late 2024.",-37.699196,144.76517,"Sydenham",[2551],{"id":2552,"url":2553,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},206,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fpolitics\u002Fvictoria\u002Fselling-illegal-tobacco-to-carry-maximum-penalty-of-15-years-jail-under-proposed-victorian-law-20241112-p5kpvr.html",{"id":2071,"occurred_on":2543,"incident_type":42,"title":2555,"summary":2556,"lat":2557,"lng":2558,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2559,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2560},"Wide Bay raids seize nearly 500,000 illicit cigarettes and chop-chop","Queensland Health and the TGA raided tobacconists across the Wide Bay, allegedly seizing hundreds of thousands of illicit cigarettes, hundreds of kilograms of loose tobacco and hundreds of vapes in a crackdown on illegal tobacco and vape sales.",-17.867239,146.10724,"Wide Bay",[2561],{"id":2562,"url":2563,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},792,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-08-02\u002Fillicit-tobacco-and-cigarettes-confiscated-in-queensland-raids\u002F104175892",{"id":2343,"occurred_on":2565,"incident_type":209,"title":2566,"summary":2567,"lat":1500,"lng":1501,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1502,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2568},"2024-08-05","Firebombing targets underworld figure's Thomastown home","Police allege a rival network firebombed the home of an underworld figure in Thomastown in the early hours of the morning, a property that had previously been the scene of an attempted shooting and a separate drive-by attack.",[2569],{"id":2570,"url":2571,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},207,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Funderworld-figure-targeted-again-as-firebombings-strafe-melbourne-20240808-p5k0m2.html",{"id":2353,"occurred_on":2573,"incident_type":256,"title":2574,"summary":2575,"lat":2576,"lng":2577,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2578,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2579},"2024-08-06","Ocean Shores tobacconist gutted by suspicious fire","Police allege a suspicious fire tore through a tobacconist on Rajah Road, Ocean Shores in the early hours, causing significant damage. Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze and Tweed\u002FByron Police District established a crime scene and investigation, treating the fire as deliberate. The attack occurred amid a wave of NSW arson attacks on tobacco retailers linked to organised-crime competition over the illicit tobacco trade, though police said at the time no confirmed link to nearby Tweed Heads\u002FBallina incidents had been established.",-28.4186,153.5324,"Ocean Shores",[2580,2584],{"id":2581,"url":2582,"outlet":2583,"published_on":16},208,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.echo.net.au\u002F2024\u002F08\u002Ffire-in-ocean-shores-the-centre-of-police-investigation\u002F","The Echo (Byron Shire)",{"id":2585,"url":2586,"outlet":2587,"published_on":16},209,"https:\u002F\u002Fau.news.yahoo.com\u002Farsonists-allegedly-attack-tobacco-store-233600516.html","Yahoo News Australia (AAP)",{"id":2405,"occurred_on":2589,"incident_type":256,"title":2590,"summary":2591,"lat":2592,"lng":2593,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2594,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2595},"2024-08-09","Tobacconist set alight in suspicious overnight fire at Ettalong Beach","About 1:35am, emergency services attended a fire at a tobacconist on Memorial Avenue. Police described the fire as suspicious and appealed for information about two men reportedly seen entering the property, one allegedly carrying a jerry can, before fleeing. The fire followed a reported break-in at the premises the previous day and was later referred to the State Crime Command's Arson Unit. Reported to be linked to competition in the illicit tobacco trade.",-33.512,151.335,"Ettalong Beach",[2596,2599,2602],{"id":2597,"url":2598,"outlet":2262,"published_on":2589},210,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nbnnews.com.au\u002F2024\u002F08\u002F09\u002Ftobacconist-shop-destroyed-by-fire-in-ettalong-beach\u002F",{"id":2600,"url":2601,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},212,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-08-09\u002Fretailers-fear-tobacco-turf-war-in-ettalong\u002F104206350",{"id":2603,"url":2604,"outlet":2605,"published_on":2589},211,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fappeal-after-suspicious-fire-central-coast-1292930\u002F","Mirage News (NSW Police Force media release)",{"id":2068,"occurred_on":2607,"incident_type":209,"title":2608,"summary":2609,"lat":763,"lng":2610,"location_precision":547,"suburb":773,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2611},"2024-08-11","Melton tobacco store rammed with stolen car and torched","A stolen car was rammed into a Melton tobacco store before both the vehicle and store were set alight in the early morning. Total damage across this and two related incidents (Glenroy, Wonthaggi) that month exceeded $1 million; no one was present. Two men were later charged over the string of attacks.",144.58,[2612,2616,2619,2623],{"id":2613,"url":2614,"outlet":1010,"published_on":2615},213,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sheppnews.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fman-charged-with-lighting-up-destroying-tobacco-stores\u002F","2024-08-23",{"id":2617,"url":2618,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},789,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-victoria\u002Fmelton-business-tobacco-bell-firebombed\u002Fnews-story\u002F0c6e03c810f4e8cfd2f6399372105fa0",{"id":2620,"url":2621,"outlet":118,"published_on":2622},215,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fman-charged-in-tobacco-store-arsons-ram-raid-1300614\u002F","2024-08-22",{"id":2624,"url":2625,"outlet":118,"published_on":2445},214,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fsecond-man-charged-in-glenroy-wonthaggi-tobacco-1308126\u002F",{"id":2443,"occurred_on":2627,"incident_type":256,"title":2628,"summary":2629,"lat":2400,"lng":2401,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2402,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2630},"2024-08-14","Second Mount Isa tobacco\u002Fvape store arson","Police allege multiple offenders, including three teenagers, broke into a tobacco and vape shop in the Mount Isa CBD and doused it with flammable liquid before setting it alight overnight. No injuries were reported; a fourth adult suspect was charged months later.",[2631,2636],{"id":2632,"url":2633,"outlet":2634,"published_on":2635},216,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.northweststar.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8820077\u002Fheathwood-man-charged-over-vape-shop-arson\u002F","North West Star (ACM)","2024-11-14",{"id":2637,"url":2638,"outlet":118,"published_on":2635},217,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ftaskforce-masher-arson-charges-1357089\u002F",{"id":2451,"occurred_on":2640,"incident_type":8,"title":2641,"summary":2642,"lat":2643,"lng":2644,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2645,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2647},"2024-08-15","SA man sentenced over laundering tobacco profits","A Victorian man received a good behaviour bond after pleading guilty to laundering $52,000 in profits from illegal tobacco sales in South Australia's south-east. Police had earlier found 70 kilograms of tobacco, 40,000 cigarettes and cash in two shops he owned and in a van he had rented.",-37.828423,140.78069,"Mount Gambier","SA",[2648],{"id":2649,"url":2650,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},218,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-02-25\u002Foperation-eclipse-police-seize-tobacco-cash-in-sa-raids\u002F104979308",{"id":2468,"occurred_on":2652,"incident_type":256,"title":2653,"summary":2654,"lat":889,"lng":890,"location_precision":547,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2655},"2024-08-17","Glenroy tobacco store and van set alight","A tobacco store on Belair Avenue, Glenroy, and an accompanying van were set alight about 4.45am. Police allege the attack was linked to the Melton (Aug 11) and Wonthaggi (Aug 19) fires in the same string of tobacco-trade arsons, with two men later charged.",[2656,2657,2658],{"id":2131,"url":2132,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},{"id":2620,"url":2621,"outlet":118,"published_on":2622},{"id":2624,"url":2625,"outlet":118,"published_on":2445},{"id":2485,"occurred_on":2660,"incident_type":209,"title":2661,"summary":2662,"lat":2663,"lng":2664,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2665,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2666},"2024-08-19","Hair salon firebombed below Port Melbourne apartment","Police allege a vehicle was rammed into a hair salon on Bay Street in Port Melbourne about 1.30am before the shop was set alight, filling an upstairs apartment with smoke and forcing a family to flee to hospital for smoke inhalation. The attack was reported as one of three suspected arson incidents across Melbourne that morning amid an ongoing tobacco-related turf war.",-37.833267,144.92175,"Port Melbourne",[2667],{"id":2668,"url":2669,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},219,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Finnocent-victim-of-port-melbourne-arson-attack-says-its-only-a-matter-of-time-until-someone-is-killed-in-tobacco-war-crossfire--c-15801089",{"id":2507,"occurred_on":2660,"incident_type":256,"title":2671,"summary":2672,"lat":2673,"lng":2674,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2675,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2676},"Tobacco store targeted in Cairnlea arson attack","Police allege a tobacco store in Cairnlea was set alight as part of a spate of three suspected arson attacks across Melbourne on the same morning, amid the state's ongoing tobacco war. Investigators were examining whether the incidents were connected.",-37.759575,144.7882,"Cairnlea",[2677,2678],{"id":2668,"url":2669,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},{"id":2679,"url":2680,"outlet":118,"published_on":2660},220,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Finvestigation-continues-into-port-melbourne-fire-1298364\u002F",{"id":2522,"occurred_on":2660,"incident_type":256,"title":2682,"summary":2683,"lat":1500,"lng":1501,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1502,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2684},"Thomastown home targeted in suspected organised-crime arson attack","Police allege a home in Thomastown linked to an alleged organised crime figure was targeted in a suspected arson attack, one of three such incidents in Melbourne on the same morning. Investigators were probing whether the attacks were connected as part of the broader tobacco war.",[2685],{"id":2668,"url":2669,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},{"id":2541,"occurred_on":2660,"incident_type":256,"title":2687,"summary":2688,"lat":2689,"lng":2690,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2691,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2692},"Wonthaggi tobacco store ram-raided and torched","A stolen Mazda 3 was used to ram-raid a tobacco store on McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi (regional Gippsland), before the vehicle was torched. Police allege the attack was part of the same string as the Melton and Glenroy arsons that month, with total damage exceeding $1 million.",-38.6072,145.5919,"Wonthaggi",[2693,2694,2695],{"id":2620,"url":2621,"outlet":118,"published_on":2622},{"id":2613,"url":2614,"outlet":1010,"published_on":2615},{"id":2624,"url":2625,"outlet":118,"published_on":2445},{"id":83,"occurred_on":2697,"incident_type":42,"title":2698,"summary":2699,"lat":1130,"lng":1131,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1132,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2700},"2024-08-20","Horsham police raid tobacco stores and seize illicit cigarettes and vapes","Horsham police raided three tobacco stores, allegedly seizing tens of thousands of illicit cigarettes, hundreds of vapes, loose tobacco and cash. Several people were charged or expected to be charged with tobacco-related offences.",[2701],{"id":2702,"url":2703,"outlet":2704,"published_on":16},787,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wimmeramalleenews.com.au\u002Ftobacco-seized-in-city-raids-2024-08-23","Wimmera Mallee News",{"id":2552,"occurred_on":2622,"incident_type":209,"title":2706,"summary":2707,"lat":2708,"lng":2709,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2710,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2711},"Vehicle rammed into Charmhaven tobacco shop then set alight","About 2.15am, a vehicle was driven into a tobacconist on the Pacific Highway, Charmhaven, before two men in balaclavas doused it with fuel and set it alight, causing a fireball that extensively damaged the shop and two neighbouring businesses; one alleged offender set himself alight during the attack. Police established Strike Force Libourne and later charged a man over the fire.",-33.235,151.505,"Charmhaven",[2712,2715],{"id":2713,"url":2714,"outlet":2605,"published_on":1459},221,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fdetectives-charge-man-in-central-coast-tobacco-1350525\u002F",{"id":2716,"url":2717,"outlet":2262,"published_on":2622},222,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nbnnews.com.au\u002F2024\u002F08\u002F22\u002Ftwo-men-on-the-run-following-a-tobacconist-fire-in-charmhaven\u002F",{"id":2570,"occurred_on":2622,"incident_type":209,"title":2719,"summary":2720,"lat":730,"lng":731,"location_precision":13,"suburb":732,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2721},"Barakat International Goods rammed and firebombed in Hoppers Crossing","Just before 5am on 22 August 2024, arsonists rammed a car into a roller door at Barakat International Goods in Hoppers Crossing and set the supermarket alight. Media and police linked the attack to the illicit-tobacco wars; the same premises had already been targeted earlier in 2024 (about three months prior). Fire crews brought the blaze under control.",[2722,2725],{"id":2723,"url":2724,"outlet":218,"published_on":2622},223,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3aw.com.au\u002Fsupermarket-firebombed-in-suspicious-early-morning-attack\u002F",{"id":2726,"url":2727,"outlet":749,"published_on":2622},224,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Fbarakat-international-goods-in-hoppers-crossing-targeted-for-second-time-in-three-months\u002Fnews-story\u002Fef77e5bb7b52e6744dae05476babdf76",{"id":2581,"occurred_on":2622,"incident_type":67,"title":2729,"summary":2730,"lat":2731,"lng":2732,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2733,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2734},"Arrest over string of tobacco store arsons","Taskforce Lunar detectives arrested a man, alleging involvement in a series of illicit-tobacco arsons and ram raids (including Melton, Glenroy and a regional store) and vehicle thefts. He was charged with five counts of criminal damage by fire, plus vehicle theft and burglary. Charges are unproven.",-37.98,145.26,"Endeavour Hills",[2735],{"id":2620,"url":2621,"outlet":118,"published_on":2622},{"id":2585,"occurred_on":2622,"incident_type":67,"title":2737,"summary":2738,"lat":2739,"lng":2740,"location_precision":13,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2741},"Man charged over string of tobacco-store arsons and ram-raids","Police allege a man took part in a series of ram-raids and arson attacks on tobacco stores across Melbourne's outer suburbs, charging him with multiple counts of criminal damage by fire, vehicle theft and burglary reportedly causing more than $1 million in damage.",-37.704,144.914,[2742],{"id":2620,"url":2621,"outlet":118,"published_on":2622},{"id":75,"occurred_on":2744,"incident_type":42,"title":2745,"summary":2746,"lat":2747,"lng":2748,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2749,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2750},"2024-08-28","Echuca and Kyabram tobacco-store raids seize illicit product; three charged","Campaspe crime investigators executed warrants at stores in Echuca and Kyabram, allegedly seizing tens of thousands of illicit sticks, vapes and loose tobacco worth over $130,000. Three people were charged with tobacco and proceeds-related offences.",-36.12447,144.7472,"Echuca",[2751],{"id":2752,"url":2753,"outlet":2754,"published_on":16},784,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dairynewsaustralia.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Ffurther-arrests-and-more-illicit-tobacco-seized-in-echuca\u002F","Dairy News Australia",{"id":2597,"occurred_on":2756,"incident_type":67,"title":2757,"summary":2758,"lat":2731,"lng":2759,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2760,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2761},"2024-09-03","Second arrest over tobacco store arsons","Taskforce Lunar arrested and charged a second man over alleged illicit-tobacco arsons, including the Glenroy tobacco store and van fire and a regional ram raid. He faced three counts of arson plus burglary and vehicle theft. Charges are unproven.",145.21,"Dandenong",[2762],{"id":2624,"url":2625,"outlet":118,"published_on":2445},{"id":2603,"occurred_on":2764,"incident_type":349,"title":2765,"summary":2766,"lat":889,"lng":890,"location_precision":547,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2767},"2024-09-12","Drive-by shooting at tobacco shop on Belair Avenue, Glenroy","Police allege several shots were fired from a passing vehicle into a tobacco shop on Belair Avenue, Glenroy, about 11.30pm, the third attack on the store in four months. A group of people inside fled before police arrived; no injuries were reported.",[2768,2769],{"id":2131,"url":2132,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},{"id":2770,"url":2771,"outlet":490,"published_on":2772},225,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8762265\u002Fdrive-by-shooting-targets-tobacco-store-amid-gang-wars\u002F","2024-09-13",{"id":2600,"occurred_on":2774,"incident_type":209,"title":2775,"summary":2776,"lat":2777,"lng":2778,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2779,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2780},"2024-09-15","Tobacco on High rammed and firebombed on High Street, Thornbury","About 3.30am on 15 September 2024, arsonists ploughed a blue Subaru wagon into the front of Tobacco on High at High Street, Thornbury, before setting the store alight and gutting the shopfront. No one was inside. The attack was reported as part of the ongoing illicit-tobacco arson campaign.",-37.7552,145.0055,"Thornbury",[2781,2784],{"id":2782,"url":2783,"outlet":749,"published_on":2774},226,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Fthornburys-tobacco-on-high-hit-in-latest-smoke-shop-blaze\u002Fnews-story\u002F865c7cddb810ac38f5dc66bc297796da",{"id":2785,"url":2786,"outlet":98,"published_on":2774},227,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fcrime\u002Fblaze-lights-up-tobacco-shop-in-thornbury-victoria\u002Fnews-story\u002F9bbdb6b61de7d969441ee8603f203c97",{"id":2613,"occurred_on":2788,"incident_type":256,"title":2789,"summary":2790,"lat":2791,"lng":2792,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2793,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2794},"2024-09-16","Greenvale milk bar and deli destroyed in tobacco-war arson","On 16 September 2024 a milk bar and deli on Greenvale Drive in Greenvale was destroyed in a suspicious fire. Media reported it as about the 100th premises linked to the illicit-tobacco arson war, coming a day after the Thornbury Tobacco on High firebombing. Police treated the blaze as suspicious and part of the wider campaign.",-37.6405,144.8805,"Greenvale",[2795],{"id":2796,"url":2797,"outlet":749,"published_on":2788},228,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Fpolice-probe-suspicious-fire-at-greenvale-milkbar-and-deli-in-greenvale\u002Fnews-story\u002F31ea74995ae9cbea37e74c36c20733ae",{"id":2624,"occurred_on":2799,"incident_type":27,"title":2800,"summary":2801,"lat":2663,"lng":2664,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2665,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2802},"2024-09-17","Tobacco shopkeeper stabbed in Port Melbourne","A Port Melbourne tobacco shopkeeper was left in serious condition after being stabbed by an offender armed with a kitchen knife.",[2803],{"id":2804,"url":2805,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},229,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Ftobacco-shop-owner-in-serious-condition-after-stabbing-20240917-p5kbbt.html",{"id":2620,"occurred_on":2799,"incident_type":67,"title":2807,"summary":2808,"lat":2809,"lng":2810,"location_precision":547,"suburb":700,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2811},"Two Victorian men charged over alleged tobacco import plot (Operation Kraken-Ryloth)","The AFP executed search warrants in South Yarra and Fraser Rise on 17 September, seizing about $60,000 cash, encrypted devices and electronics. Two men (from Wollert and South Yarra) were charged over an alleged plot to import roughly 7.46 million cigarettes from India and Vietnam, representing about $10 million in evaded excise, and were due in Melbourne Magistrates Court on 23 September.",-37.838,144.993,[2812],{"id":2813,"url":2814,"outlet":1221,"published_on":2815},230,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.afp.gov.au\u002Fnews-centre\u002Fmedia-release\u002Fop-kraken-ryloth-victorian-duo-charged-over-alleged-plans-illicit-tobacco","2024-09-18",{"id":2632,"occurred_on":2815,"incident_type":42,"title":2817,"summary":2818,"lat":2819,"lng":2820,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2821,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2822},"Geelong and Corio illicit-tobacco raids, four arrested","Geelong CIU detectives executed six search warrants at shops in Corio, Bell Park, Grovedale, Whittington and Herne Hill, seizing about 323,120 illicit cigarettes, 23,968 vapes, 18.5kg loose tobacco and $13,000 cash (over $400,000 value). Four people were arrested for charge on summons; one shop had earlier been targeted in a 2023 attempted arson.",-38.07,144.37,"Corio",[2823],{"id":2824,"url":2825,"outlet":118,"published_on":2826},231,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ffour-arrested-after-illicit-tobacco-seized-in-1320156\u002F","2024-09-19",{"id":79,"occurred_on":2826,"incident_type":42,"title":2828,"summary":2829,"lat":1975,"lng":1976,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1977,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2830},"Geelong police seize hundreds of thousands in illicit tobacco and arrest four","Geelong police reportedly swooped on multiple shops allegedly selling illicit cigarettes and vapes, seizing more than $400,000 in illegal tobacco and arresting four people.",[2831,2835],{"id":2832,"url":2833,"outlet":2834,"published_on":16},785,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.geelongadvertiser.com.au\u002Fsubscribe\u002Fnews\u002F1\u002F?sourceCode=GAWEB_WRE170_a_GGN&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geelongadvertiser.com.au%2Fnews%2Fgeelong%2F400k-of-illegal-tobacco-seized-by-geelong-detectives-in-specialist-operation%2Fnews-story%2Fc92c356139c93b7bd1488f901347f435&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium","Geelong Advertiser",{"id":2836,"url":2837,"outlet":1414,"published_on":16},786,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wyndhamtv.com.au\u002Fgeelong-police-seize-400k-worth-of-illicit-tobacco-arrest-four\u002F",{"id":2637,"occurred_on":2839,"incident_type":89,"title":2840,"summary":2841,"lat":2842,"lng":2843,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2844,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2845},"2024-09-22","Stolen car rammed into Tweed Heads South tobacconist, cigarettes stolen","About 4.30am, a stolen sedan was driven into a tobacconist on Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South; two men entered the damaged shopfront, destroyed displays and stole a large quantity of cigarettes before fleeing. NSW Police's Strike Force Albany later linked the incident to further ram-raids and an arson at the same and nearby tobacconists.",-28.2167,153.5333,"Tweed Heads South",[2846],{"id":2847,"url":2848,"outlet":118,"published_on":2849},232,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fcctv-appeal-ram-raids-arsons-hit-nsw-1357581\u002F","2024-11-15",{"id":2649,"occurred_on":2851,"incident_type":209,"title":2852,"summary":2853,"lat":2854,"lng":2855,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2856,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2857},"2024-09-23","Runcorn tobacconist rammed by ute and set alight","On the morning of 23 September 2024 a Runcorn tobacco shop in Brisbane's south was rammed by a ute and set alight. Television news reported four offenders torched the store without stealing stock - classic standover-style destruction linked by reporters to Queensland's illicit tobacco conflict.",-27.58972,153.06906,"Runcorn",[2858,2862],{"id":2859,"url":2860,"outlet":265,"published_on":2861},233,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=Sit8ZN-VzdA","2024-09-24",{"id":2863,"url":2864,"outlet":2865,"published_on":2851},234,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002F9NewsQueensland\u002Fvideos\u002Fruncorn-tobacco-shop-rammed\u002F1222818755625403\u002F","9 News Queensland",{"id":2668,"occurred_on":2867,"incident_type":256,"title":2868,"summary":2869,"lat":2870,"lng":2871,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2872,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2873},"2024-09-30","Two overnight arson attacks on illicit-tobacco-linked premises at Brooklyn Park and Blair Athol","Two deliberately lit fires were set at Adelaide businesses in the early hours: one on Henley Beach Road, Brooklyn Park at about 12:50am and another on Prospect Road, Blair Athol at about 2:30am. Police treated them as part of the reported wave of arson tied to the illicit tobacco trade under taskforce Operation Eclipse; a was later charged and remanded.",-34.933,138.535,"Brooklyn Park",[2874,2879],{"id":2875,"url":2876,"outlet":2877,"published_on":2878},235,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fmore-raids-and-arrests-as-part-of-operation-1364292\u002F","Mirage News (SA Police media release)","2024-11-25",{"id":2880,"url":2881,"outlet":2882,"published_on":2883},236,"https:\u002F\u002Fstopillicit.com\u002Foperation-eclipse-update\u002F","Stop Illicit","2025-05-02",{"id":2679,"occurred_on":2867,"incident_type":256,"title":2885,"summary":2886,"lat":352,"lng":353,"location_precision":547,"suburb":354,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2887},"Cigarette and lotto shop destroyed in suspicious Fawkner fire","More than 30 firefighters were called to a cigarette and lotto shop on Bonwick Street in Fawkner about 2:30am after it was found fully alight; the fire was deemed suspicious and no one was hurt. It was one of more than 100 fires linked to Victoria's illegal tobacco turf war between organised crime.",[2888,2891,2894],{"id":2889,"url":2890,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},237,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-09-30\u002Ftobacco-store-fire-fawkner-factory-fire-keilor-park\u002F104411422",{"id":2892,"url":2893,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},238,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-09-30\u002Ftobacco-store-in-melbourne-damaged-in-suspicious\u002F104411880",{"id":2895,"url":2896,"outlet":2897,"published_on":2867},239,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.upstart.net.au\u002Ffawkner-tobacco-store-fire-investigation\u002F","upstart (La Trobe)",{"id":2713,"occurred_on":2867,"incident_type":256,"title":2899,"summary":2900,"lat":2901,"lng":2902,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2903,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2904},"Overnight arson at Blair Athol business","A second deliberately lit fire on the same night, at a premises on Prospect Road, Blair Athol, at about 2:30am. Police examined links between this and the Brooklyn Park fire as part of Operation Eclipse's illicit-tobacco arson investigations.",-34.8636,138.5924,"Blair Athol",[2905],{"id":2880,"url":2881,"outlet":2882,"published_on":2883},{"id":2716,"occurred_on":2907,"incident_type":256,"title":2908,"summary":2909,"lat":2910,"lng":2911,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2912,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2913},"2024-10-01","Two Bondi businesses firebombed","Police allege offenders firebombed a brewery and a nearby kosher cafe in Bondi in October, after allegedly mistaking their target. Authorities allege the attacks were directed through an illicit-tobacco-linked criminal network; several people were later charged.",-33.893898,151.26357,"Bondi",[2914],{"id":2915,"url":2916,"outlet":1363,"published_on":16},240,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theaustralian.com.au\u002Fnation\u002Fbikies-criminals-hired-to-strike-fear-into-jewish-community\u002Fnews-story\u002F4c363f36d3844af2276ede7bbc695e67",{"id":2723,"occurred_on":2918,"incident_type":256,"title":2919,"summary":2920,"lat":2921,"lng":2922,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2923,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2924},"2024-10-03","Torrensville shisha business set alight","A Torrensville business, reported to be a shisha venue, was set alight about 3am in a blaze police believe was caused by a Molotov cocktail, a day before a nearby tobacco shop was firebombed. Police linked the pair of fires to the illicit tobacco trade.",-34.9186,138.5619,"Torrensville",[2925],{"id":2926,"url":2927,"outlet":2928,"published_on":2929},241,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.indailysa.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Farchive\u002F2024\u002F10\u002F04\u002Fanother-adelaide-tobacco-shop-targeted-by-arsonists","InDaily","2024-10-04",{"id":2726,"occurred_on":2929,"incident_type":209,"title":2931,"summary":2932,"lat":2933,"lng":2934,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2935,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2936},"Clearview tobacco shop firebombed, alleged arsonist set self alight","A Molotov cocktail was thrown at a tobacco shop on Hampstead Road, Clearview, about 4:45am; the alleged attacker reportedly set himself alight during the attack. A crowbar was found at the scene. Police said the arson was part of a series linked to arson, extortion and money laundering in the illicit tobacco trade under Operation Eclipse.",-34.8615,138.6167,"Clearview",[2937],{"id":2926,"url":2927,"outlet":2928,"published_on":2929},{"id":2770,"occurred_on":2939,"incident_type":256,"title":2940,"summary":2941,"lat":2942,"lng":2943,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2944,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2945},"2024-10-06","Man chases alleged tobacco shop arsonists with axe in Flemington","A man pursued three people with an axe after they allegedly attempted to set fire to a tobacco shop in Flemington on a Sunday evening.",-37.78626,144.92021,"Flemington",[2946],{"id":2947,"url":2948,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},242,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fman-chases-alleged-tobacco-store-attackers-with-axe-20241007-p5kggz.html",{"id":2782,"occurred_on":2950,"incident_type":256,"title":2951,"summary":2952,"lat":2481,"lng":2482,"location_precision":547,"suburb":473,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2953},"2024-10-07","Two Springvale tobacco shops rammed by ute","A grey Mitsubishi Triton ute rammed a tobacco outlet on Buckingham Avenue, Springvale, about 1.40am, then rammed a second nearby shop ten minutes later; offenders poured liquid inside and outside the second shop but were unable to ignite it. Investigators later linked the attempt to the shops' alleged sale of illicit tobacco.",[2954,2957],{"id":2955,"url":2956,"outlet":2487,"published_on":2950},243,"https:\u002F\u002Fdandenong.starcommunity.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-10-07\u002Ftwo-tobacco-shops-rammed-in-springvale\u002F",{"id":2958,"url":2959,"outlet":225,"published_on":2960},244,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ftaskforce-lunar-probes-springvale-fire-1388265\u002F","2025-01-09",{"id":2785,"occurred_on":2962,"incident_type":42,"title":2963,"summary":2964,"lat":2965,"lng":2966,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2967},"2024-10-09","Taskforce Lunar reports 82 arrests in its first year","Police reported that in its first year the anti-tobacco-war Taskforce Lunar had made 82 arrests, executed more than 200 warrants at suspected illicit-tobacco retailers, seized over $37 million in tobacco, vapes and cash plus 19 firearms, and linked 105 arson attacks to tobacco stores statewide.",-37.814,144.963,[2968],{"id":2969,"url":2970,"outlet":2882,"published_on":2962},245,"https:\u002F\u002Fstopillicit.com\u002Fmore-than-80-arrested-in-first-year-of-taskforce-lunar\u002F",{"id":2796,"occurred_on":2972,"incident_type":256,"title":2973,"summary":2974,"lat":2975,"lng":2976,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2977,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2978},"2024-10-10","Botched arson attack on Campbelltown shisha shop","Police investigated a botched arson attack on a Campbelltown (Adelaide) shisha shop around 10 October 2024. Television news explicitly framed the attack as part of Adelaide's tobacco wars; the offender allegedly went to extreme lengths, including starting a blaze in the store's roof cavity.",-34.88166,138.66136,"Campbelltown",[2979,2983],{"id":2980,"url":2981,"outlet":2982,"published_on":2972},246,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002F7NEWSAdelaide\u002Fposts\u002Fpolice-are-investigating-a-botched-arson-attack-at-campbelltownit-is-the-latest-\u002F863180842624950\u002F","7NEWS Adelaide",{"id":2984,"url":2985,"outlet":2982,"published_on":2972},247,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002F7NEWSAdelaide\u002Fvideos\u002Fcampbelltown-shisha-shop-targeted-in-arson-attack\u002F512040358288389\u002F",{"id":2804,"occurred_on":2987,"incident_type":209,"title":2988,"summary":2989,"lat":2990,"lng":2991,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2992,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":2993},"2024-10-13","Stonyfell tobacco shop firebombed in Adelaide east","On 13 October 2024 a tobacco shop in Stonyfell was firebombed amid South Australia's illicit tobacco conflict. Local coverage and political commentary described residents' anger that the eastern suburbs had been drawn into Adelaide's tobacco turf war.",-34.93495,138.67677,"Stonyfell",[2994],{"id":2995,"url":2996,"outlet":2997,"published_on":2987},248,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002F9NewsAdelaide\u002Fposts\u002Fresidents-of-stonyfell-are-furious-their-neighbourhood-is-suspected-of-now-being\u002F941794411316648\u002F","9 News Adelaide",{"id":2813,"occurred_on":2999,"incident_type":209,"title":3000,"summary":3001,"lat":3002,"lng":3003,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3004,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3005},"2024-10-15","Adelaide office firebombed in suspected mistaken-target attack","A homemade Molotov cocktail incinerated an Adelaide business office overnight; police believe the arson attack was intended for a tobacco business next door. It was one of 19 firebombings of businesses and vehicles in Adelaide since July 2024, which police attributed to three organised crime networks battling for control of the illicit tobacco and vape trade.",-34.924446,138.59955,"Adelaide",[3006,3009],{"id":3007,"url":3008,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},249,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-11-05\u002Ftobacco-wars-arson-attacks-organised-crime-adelaide\u002F104557760",{"id":3010,"url":3011,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},250,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-11-07\u002Ftobacco-wars-south-australia-explainer\u002F104565420",{"id":2824,"occurred_on":2999,"incident_type":256,"title":3013,"summary":3014,"lat":3015,"lng":3016,"location_precision":547,"suburb":3017,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3018},"Adelaide business fire leads to arson arrest","Police arrested and charged a woman from Lyndoch with arson following a fire at a business in the Adelaide suburb of Pennington, part of a wave of arson attacks linked to the state's illicit tobacco trade.",-34.85683,138.53214,"Pennington",[3019,3020],{"id":3010,"url":3011,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":3021,"url":3022,"outlet":118,"published_on":3023},251,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-raids-yield-major-illegal-tobacco-haul-1377827\u002F","2024-12-13",{"id":2847,"occurred_on":3025,"incident_type":67,"title":3026,"summary":3027,"lat":3028,"lng":3029,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3004,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3030},"2024-10-16","Alleged key figure in SA illicit tobacco trade arrested on money-laundering charges","As part of Operation Eclipse, police arrested a man alleged to be a central figure in South Australia's illicit tobacco activity, which police have linked to a series of arson attacks on tobacco shops. He was charged with four counts of money laundering. Police said the investigation had identified more than 200 stores suspected of selling illicit tobacco.",-34.9285,138.6007,[3031],{"id":3032,"url":3033,"outlet":3034,"published_on":3025},252,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationaltribune.com.au\u002Fman-arrested-as-part-of-operation-eclipse\u002F","The National Tribune (SA Police media release)",{"id":2859,"occurred_on":3025,"incident_type":42,"title":3036,"summary":3037,"lat":2901,"lng":2902,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2903,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3038},"Alleged illicit-tobacco 'key figure' arrested at Blair Athol","Police arrested a man at Blair Athol whom they allege is a key figure in South Australia's illicit tobacco trade, charging him with four counts of money laundering. Simultaneous Operation Eclipse searches were carried out at Hendon, Queenstown, Rosewater and a storage facility at Salisbury Downs, seizing about $358,955 in goods.",[3039,3042],{"id":3040,"url":3041,"outlet":118,"published_on":3025},253,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fman-arrested-as-part-of-operation-eclipse-1337895\u002F",{"id":3032,"url":3033,"outlet":3034,"published_on":3025},{"id":2863,"occurred_on":3025,"incident_type":42,"title":3044,"summary":3045,"lat":3046,"lng":3047,"location_precision":547,"suburb":3048,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3049},"Police raid two Warrnambool tobacconists, seize cash and cigarettes","Police raided a Lava Street tobacconist and a Northpoint Shopping Centre tobacconist in Warrnambool, seizing about $38,000 cash, chop-chop loose tobacco and roughly 26,000 cigarettes. Three people were arrested amid Victoria's black-market tobacco war.",-38.3833,142.4833,"Warrnambool",[3050],{"id":3051,"url":3052,"outlet":134,"published_on":3053},254,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.standard.net.au\u002Fstory\u002F8793575\u002Fwarrnambool-tobacconist-raided-by-police-lava-st-shop-closed\u002F","2025-01-08",{"id":2875,"occurred_on":3055,"incident_type":256,"title":3056,"summary":3057,"lat":3058,"lng":3059,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3060,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3061},"2024-10-19","Suspicious Unley Road shop fire probed for tobacco-war link","Police investigated a suspicious fire at a shop on Unley Road, Unley, on the morning of 19 October 2024 and said they were probing any links to South Australia's tobacco wars, which had already seen a spate of arson attacks on tobacco retailers across Adelaide.",-34.948288,138.6073,"Unley",[3062],{"id":3063,"url":3064,"outlet":3065,"published_on":3055},255,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.adelaidenow.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-sa\u002Fpolice-probe-suspicious-unley-rd-shop-fire-amid-slew-of-tobacco-shop-arson-attacks\u002Fnews-story\u002F7eeab2228dd8007836d1aaae11f170b6","Adelaide Advertiser",{"id":2880,"occurred_on":3067,"incident_type":89,"title":3068,"summary":3069,"lat":2842,"lng":2843,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2844,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3070},"2024-10-22","Second ram-raid at same Tweed Heads South tobacconist, fuel poured but not ignited","About 2.40am, exactly one month after the first attack, an SUV was driven through bollards into the same Tweed Heads South tobacconist; two men poured fuel inside the store but fled without igniting it. Investigated under Strike Force Albany alongside a linked Ballina tobacconist arson the following night.",[3071],{"id":2847,"url":2848,"outlet":118,"published_on":2849},{"id":2889,"occurred_on":3067,"incident_type":42,"title":3073,"summary":3074,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3075},"Statewide raids target alleged $30 million illicit tobacco network","Police arrested a man at Melbourne Airport as he attempted to board an international flight, and charged seven others, following more than 27 coordinated search warrants on tobacco shops, warehouses and homes across Victoria targeting an alleged $30 million illicit tobacco network.",[3076,3079,3082],{"id":3077,"url":3078,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},256,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fpolice-arrest-alleged-leader-of-30m-crime-syndicate-but-warn-tobacco-wars-are-here-to-stay-20241022-p5kkcm.html",{"id":3080,"url":3081,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},796,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-10-22\u002Fillegal-tobacco-syndicate-victoria-police-raids\u002F104502936",{"id":3083,"url":3084,"outlet":3085,"published_on":16},797,"https:\u002F\u002Fnewscop.com.au\u002F2024\u002F10\u002F24\u002Fpolice-raid-27-properties-eight-charged\u002F","NewsCop",{"id":2892,"occurred_on":3067,"incident_type":209,"title":3087,"summary":3088,"lat":3089,"lng":3090,"location_precision":547,"suburb":3091,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3092},"Frankston tobacco store rammed and set alight","Police allege a vehicle was deliberately driven into a tobacco store on Young Street, Frankston before it was set alight about 4:40am, causing significant damage; a second suspicious tobacco-shop fire in Thornbury the same night was reportedly examined for links.",-38.14,145.12,"Frankston",[3093,3098],{"id":3094,"url":3095,"outlet":3096,"published_on":3097},257,"https:\u002F\u002Ftimesofcannabis.com\u002Ffrankston-tobacco-shop-fire-suspected-ram-raid\u002F","Times of Cannabis","2024-10-23",{"id":3099,"url":3100,"outlet":299,"published_on":3101},258,"https:\u002F\u002Fbaysidenews.com.au\u002F2024\u002F10\u002F28\u002Ftobacco-shop-up-in-flames\u002F","2024-10-28",{"id":2895,"occurred_on":3067,"incident_type":256,"title":3103,"summary":3104,"lat":3105,"lng":1695,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2779,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3106},"Thornbury tobacco shop set ablaze same night as Frankston attack","Hours after the Frankston fire, a tobacco shop in Thornbury was set alight under similar suspicious circumstances, allegedly after a vehicle was driven into the store. Police were investigating possible links between the two fires and the wider tobacco-trade arson campaign.",-37.76,[3107],{"id":3094,"url":3095,"outlet":3096,"published_on":3097},{"id":3109,"occurred_on":3067,"incident_type":42,"title":3110,"summary":3111,"lat":3112,"lng":3113,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2903,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3114},546,"Five men arrested in Operation Eclipse raids across Adelaide over alleged tobacco-trade standover tactics","SA Police's Serious and Organised Crime Branch searched six residential and business premises at Blair Athol, Walkley Heights, Dudley Park, Sheidow Park and Morphett Vale, arresting five men. Police allege the offences relate to the ongoing conflict over illicit tobacco sales in SA and the standover and intimidation tactics used by organised crime. Detectives seized tobacco products, about $114,500 in cash and two vehicles including a Range Rover; all five were refused police bail.",-34.858925,138.59616,[3115],{"id":3116,"url":3117,"outlet":3118,"published_on":16},583,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ffive-men-arrested-relating-to-operation-eclipse-1341583\u002F","Mirage News (SA Police release)",{"id":2915,"occurred_on":3097,"incident_type":256,"title":3120,"summary":3121,"lat":3122,"lng":3123,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3124,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3125},"Ram-raid and fire destroys Ballina tobacconist","About 3.30am, a car was driven into a tobacconist shopfront on River Street, Ballina, and set alight, causing extensive damage and forcing evacuation of surrounding units; occupants fled before police arrived. NSW Police's Strike Force Albany linked the fire to two prior ram-raid incidents at a Tweed Heads South tobacconist and later charged two men.",-28.8667,153.5667,"Ballina",[3126,3127],{"id":2847,"url":2848,"outlet":118,"published_on":2849},{"id":3128,"url":3129,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},259,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-10-23\u002Fballina-tobacco-shop-fire-ram-raid-attack\u002F104506036",{"id":2926,"occurred_on":3097,"incident_type":42,"title":3131,"summary":3132,"lat":1690,"lng":1691,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1692,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3133},"VIPER\u002FLunar taskforces raid 27 properties, eight charged over $30m tobacco network","About 130 officers executed more than 27 search warrants across Victoria against an alleged network that leased stores fronting as gift and sweet shops to sell illicit tobacco, allegedly earning over $30 million in 12 months. Eight people were charged; raids hit sites from Truganina and Hoppers Crossing to Werribee, Geelong-area suburbs and regional towns including Ararat, Echuca and Yarrawonga. Police seized a Lamborghini, a Range Rover and about 600,000 tobacco sticks.",[3134],{"id":3135,"url":3136,"outlet":3085,"published_on":3137},260,"https:\u002F\u002Fnewscop.com.au\u002F2024\u002F10\u002F24\u002Fpolice-raid-27-properties-eight-charged-over-illegal-syndicate\u002F","2024-10-24",{"id":3139,"occurred_on":3097,"incident_type":42,"title":3140,"summary":3141,"lat":3142,"lng":3143,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2079,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3144},621,"Ararat tobacco stores raided in organised illicit-tobacco crackdown","VIPER and Lunar taskforces charged multiple people with Commonwealth offences over an alleged network selling illicit tobacco through gift-style stores. Three tobacco stores in Ararat were among premises raided and people were charged with supporting a criminal organisation and tobacco offences.",-37.284294,142.92833,[3145],{"id":3146,"url":3147,"outlet":2449,"published_on":16},793,"https:\u002F\u002Ftheweeklyadvertiser.com.au\u002Farticles\u002Fararat-man-charged-in-tobacco-raid\u002F",{"id":3149,"occurred_on":3137,"incident_type":67,"title":3150,"summary":3151,"lat":3152,"lng":3153,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3154,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3155},627,"Tarneit person charged in illicit tobacco network bust","A person from Tarneit was among those charged as VIPER taskforce targeted an alleged organised crime network in the illicit tobacco market. The operation involved multi-property raids and Commonwealth charges.",-37.83582,144.6639,"Tarneit",[3156],{"id":3157,"url":3158,"outlet":1414,"published_on":16},805,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wyndhamtv.com.au\u002Ftarneit-man-charged-in-illicit-tobacco-bust-as-viper-taskforce-targets-organised-crime-syndicate\u002F",{"id":2947,"occurred_on":3137,"incident_type":8,"title":3160,"summary":3161,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3162},"Bail granted to accused tobacco network leaders","The alleged leader and an alleged enforcer of a $30 million illicit tobacco network were granted bail in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court under strict conditions, despite one having been arrested attempting to leave the country.",[3163],{"id":3164,"url":3165,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},261,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Falleged-illegal-tobacco-syndicate-ringleader-granted-bail-despite-trying-to-leave-australia-20241023-p5kkt9.html",{"id":2955,"occurred_on":3137,"incident_type":42,"title":3167,"summary":3168,"lat":3169,"lng":3090,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3170,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3171},"$8 million of illicit vapes seized from Box Hill South warehouse","In a joint operation with the TGA and the Victorian Department of Health, Victoria Police seized about 200,000 vapes worth more than $8 million from a warehouse in Box Hill South, part of broader taskforce action against the illicit tobacco and vape market following the July 2024 vaping reforms.",-37.83,"Box Hill South",[3172],{"id":3173,"url":3174,"outlet":118,"published_on":3175},262,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002F8m-illicit-vapes-seized-in-tga-victoria-police-1346850\u002F","2024-10-30",{"id":2958,"occurred_on":3177,"incident_type":256,"title":3178,"summary":3179,"lat":3180,"lng":3181,"location_precision":547,"suburb":3182,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3183},"2024-10-25","Tobacconist ram-raided and firebombed, Midland","Police allege a stolen Nissan Navara was driven through the shopfront of A-Deal Tobacconist on Midland Parade before the store was deliberately set alight, with the fire spreading to neighbouring businesses; damage was estimated at $500,000 and no injuries were reported. Police said the tobacconist had no known criminal links and were investigating ties to the eastern-states tobacco wars; a man was later arrested in Mirrabooka.",-31.8942,116.0114,"Midland",[3184,3188,3191,3194],{"id":3185,"url":3186,"outlet":3187,"published_on":3177},263,"https:\u002F\u002Fechonewspaper.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmidland-smoke-shop-fire-investigation-continues\u002F","Echo Newspaper (WA)",{"id":3189,"url":3190,"outlet":3187,"published_on":16},264,"https:\u002F\u002Fechonewspaper.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fman-charged-over-midland-fire\u002F",{"id":3192,"url":3193,"outlet":2380,"published_on":16},800,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.watoday.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fwestern-australia\u002Ftobacco-wars-not-welcome-in-perth-police-warn-after-midland-firebombing-20241030-p5kmph.html",{"id":3195,"url":3196,"outlet":1525,"published_on":16},801,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fperth-news-driver-sets-himself-alight-in-perth-tobacco-store-ram-raid-20241030-p5z7tj.html",{"id":3198,"occurred_on":3199,"incident_type":42,"title":3200,"summary":3201,"lat":3202,"lng":3203,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3204,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3205},626,"2024-10-31","Huge illicit tobacco haul seized from truck at Tailem Bend","Police stopped a truck on the Princes Highway at Tailem Bend and allegedly found hundreds of kilograms of loose tobacco and hundreds of thousands of cigarettes worth about $600,000. A Victorian driver was charged with money laundering and unlawful possession offences.",-35.256176,139.45448,"Tailem Bend",[3206],{"id":3207,"url":3208,"outlet":3209,"published_on":16},804,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.murraybridge.news\u002Fover-600-000-in-tobacco-and-cigarettes-seized-at-tailem-bend\u002F","murraybridge.news",{"id":2969,"occurred_on":3211,"incident_type":209,"title":3212,"summary":3213,"lat":1492,"lng":1493,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1494,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3214},"2024-11-01","Campbellfield tobacco store smashed open and set ablaze","Arsonists smashed through the front of a Melbourne tobacco store in Campbellfield and set it alight overnight. Nobody was injured. Media reported the attack as the latest in the illicit tobacco conflict.",[3215],{"id":3216,"url":3217,"outlet":749,"published_on":3211},265,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-victoria\u002Fcampbellfield-shop-torched-in-latest-blow-in-tobacco-wars\u002Fnews-story\u002Fd758fac7f1f55c488512efcf6b13a3c6",{"id":2980,"occurred_on":3211,"incident_type":8,"title":3219,"summary":3220,"lat":3221,"lng":3222,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1431,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3223},"Charges laid over Bendigo Hargreaves Mall tobacco fire","Detectives executed warrants at properties in Dallas and Wollert and charged a alleged offender with arson, criminal damage, vehicle theft and possessing an unregistered firearm over the Hargreaves Mall tobacco-shop fire; the accused was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 8 November. A second alleged offender was also to face court.",-36.759,144.279,[3224,3225],{"id":1434,"url":1435,"outlet":118,"published_on":1436},{"id":1457,"url":1458,"outlet":1449,"published_on":1459},{"id":3227,"occurred_on":3211,"incident_type":42,"title":3228,"summary":3229,"lat":3230,"lng":3231,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3232,"state":1252,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3233},568,"Operation Hook raid seizes illicit tobacco from Nightcliff convenience store","NT Police searched a convenience store on Progress Drive, Nightcliff, as part of Operation Hook, seizing 4.325kg of illicit loose-leaf tobacco, 1,140 illicit cigarettes and $1,225 in cash allegedly linked to illegal tobacco sales. A man was issued infringements over the seizure. Police say the illicit tobacco trade directly funds organised crime interstate and overseas.",-12.382674,130.8496,"Nightcliff",[3234],{"id":3139,"url":3235,"outlet":3236,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fpfes.nt.gov.au\u002Fnewsroom\u002F2024\u002Ftobacco-seizure-operation-hook-darwin","NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services",{"id":2984,"occurred_on":3238,"incident_type":209,"title":3239,"summary":3240,"lat":3241,"lng":3242,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3243,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3244},"2024-11-02","Car rammed into Norlane shop and set alight on Donnybrook Road","Around early November 2024 a vehicle was driven into a shop on Donnybrook Road, Norlane, then set alight. Geelong media reported police investigating links to the tobacco wars; Taskforce Lunar later investigated repeated attacks on Norlane tobacconists.",-38.092102,144.35419,"Norlane",[3245],{"id":3246,"url":3247,"outlet":2834,"published_on":3248},266,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.geelongadvertiser.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-geelong\u002Fsuspicious-fire-at-donnybrook-rd-norlane-shop\u002Fnews-story\u002Fe96e00dd8bf2c41b7d7206720ecbb1d1","2024-11-03",{"id":2995,"occurred_on":3250,"incident_type":256,"title":3251,"summary":3252,"lat":3253,"lng":3254,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2113,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3255},"2024-11-06","Milk bar rammed and firebombed in Meadow Heights","A milk bar on Magnolia Boulevard, Meadow Heights, was rammed with a stolen ute and set alight shortly before 1am. Neighbours helped rescue a man and woman living in an attached residence before firefighters arrived.",-37.651497,144.9187,[3256],{"id":2014,"url":2015,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":3007,"occurred_on":3250,"incident_type":256,"title":3258,"summary":3259,"lat":1492,"lng":1493,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1494,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3260},"Restaurant firebombed a second time in Campbellfield","A restaurant on the Hume Highway in Campbellfield was set ablaze for the second time in the year, extensively damaging the building, though firefighters stopped the fire spreading to an adjoining car wash.",[3261],{"id":2014,"url":2015,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":3263,"occurred_on":3250,"incident_type":67,"title":3264,"summary":3265,"lat":3266,"lng":3267,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2710,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3268},623,"Person charged over Charmhaven tobacco shop ram-raid arson","Financial Crimes Squad detectives charged a person over the alleged ramming and fire at a Charmhaven tobacconist on 22 August that also damaged neighbouring shops. A crime scene had been established at the Pacific Highway retail centre.",-33.227432,151.50302,[3269],{"id":3270,"url":3271,"outlet":3272,"published_on":16},795,"https:\u002F\u002Fcoastcommunitynews.com.au\u002Fcentral-coast\u002Fnews\u002F2024\u002F11\u002Fcharged-over-charmhaven-tobacco-shop-fire\u002F","Central Coast News",{"id":3010,"occurred_on":3274,"incident_type":42,"title":3275,"summary":3276,"lat":3028,"lng":3029,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3004,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3277},"2024-11-07","Police raid 17 metropolitan tobacco outlets in Operation Eclipse phase","More than 100 police raided 17 retail outlets plus one home across metropolitan Adelaide, seizing cigarettes, loose tobacco, tobacco tubes and vapes worth over $250,000 along with cash. The raids supported ongoing investigations into arson, extortion and money laundering associated with the illicit tobacco trade.",[3278],{"id":3279,"url":3280,"outlet":2877,"published_on":3281},267,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ftobacco-shops-raided-during-operation-eclipse-1353086\u002F","2024-11-08",{"id":3021,"occurred_on":3274,"incident_type":209,"title":3283,"summary":3284,"lat":3285,"lng":3286,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3287,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3289},"West End shisha bar ram-raided and firebombed on Boundary Street","About 3am on 7 November 2024 a ute rammed a business on Boundary Street, West End, Brisbane, and the premises were set alight. Nine News and local coverage reported a restaurant\u002Fshisha venue gutted; Queensland's tobacco-war coverage later placed West End among suburbs hit by organised illicit-tobacco violence.",-27.483137,153.00684,"West End","bar_wars",[3290,3293],{"id":3291,"url":3292,"outlet":269,"published_on":3250},268,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Ffire-ram-raid-brisbane-west-end-20241106-p5z80e.html",{"id":3294,"url":3295,"outlet":3296,"published_on":3297},269,"https:\u002F\u002Fwestendtoday.com.au\u002Fwest-end-shisha-bar-destroyed-in-overnight-ram-raid-and-fire\u002F","West End Today","2024-11-10",{"id":3032,"occurred_on":3281,"incident_type":209,"title":3299,"summary":3300,"lat":3301,"lng":3302,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3303,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3304},"Lucky 7 convenience store firebombed on Boundary Road, Thomson","Fire crews were called to Lucky 7 on Boundary Road, Thomson (Geelong), just before 3am on 8 November 2024 after multiple triple-0 calls. Media and the owner later said the store was firebombed twice over the weekend, with the attacks linked to Victoria's tobacco wars.",-38.169556,144.37874,"Thomson",[3305,3308],{"id":3306,"url":3307,"outlet":2834,"published_on":3281},270,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.geelongadvertiser.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fgeelong\u002Fthomson-convenience-store-lucky-7-destroyed-in-suspicious-blaze\u002Fnews-story\u002F2a2fb7fee530292de7be6c321a96c61b",{"id":3309,"url":3310,"outlet":3311,"published_on":3312},271,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Flisten\u002Fprograms\u002Fmelbourne-mornings\u002Fdouble-arson-at-geelong-convenience-store\u002F104594188","ABC Melbourne","2024-11-12",{"id":3040,"occurred_on":3281,"incident_type":8,"title":3314,"summary":3315,"lat":3316,"lng":3317,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1431,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3318},"Second accused faces court over Bendigo Hargreaves Mall tobacco fire","A man was charged with arson and possessing an unregistered firearm over the 29 January 2024 Free Choice tobacconist fire at Hargreaves Mall, Bendigo, after detectives executed search warrants at properties in Dallas and Wollert on 1 November. He was bailed to appear at court on 8 November 2024 and was the second person charged over the fire.",-36.76,144.28,[3319],{"id":1457,"url":1458,"outlet":1449,"published_on":1459},{"id":3051,"occurred_on":3321,"incident_type":209,"title":3322,"summary":3323,"lat":3241,"lng":3242,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3243,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3324},"2024-11-09","Norlane tobacco shop firebombed again on Donnybrook Road","About 1.40am on Saturday 9 November 2024 emergency services were called to a tobacco shop on Donnybrook Road, Norlane, after a fire. Local reporting said it was a further attack on the same premises days after a ram-raid and fire, as tobacco-war violence spread through Geelong.",[3325,3329],{"id":3326,"url":3327,"outlet":3328,"published_on":3321},272,"https:\u002F\u002Fsafernicotine.wiki\u002Fmediawiki\u002Findex.php\u002FTobacco_Harm_Reduction_News","Safer Nicotine Wiki (news log)",{"id":3330,"url":3331,"outlet":2834,"published_on":3297},273,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.geelongadvertiser.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fgeelong\u002Fnorlane-tobacco-shop-allegedly-firebombed-police-investigating\u002Fnews-story\u002F33637e7dcf35e2b8b3da5ed2ac63ff0b",{"id":3063,"occurred_on":3321,"incident_type":209,"title":3333,"summary":3334,"lat":3335,"lng":3336,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1977,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":17,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3337},"North Geelong convenience store firebombed twice in one weekend","A convenience store in Geelong's north was firebombed twice over a single weekend, part of an escalating arson crisis in the area that local reporting linked to the broader Melbourne tobacco wars turf conflict.",-38.1167,144.3577,[3338],{"id":3339,"url":3340,"outlet":3341,"published_on":3297},274,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002Fgeelongadvertiser\u002Fposts\u002F-geelongs-north-faces-an-escalating-arson-crisis-as-two-more-suspicious-fires-hi\u002F1458653796274962\u002F","Geelong Advertiser (Facebook post)",{"id":3077,"occurred_on":3297,"incident_type":209,"title":3343,"summary":3344,"lat":3301,"lng":3302,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3303,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3345},"Second firebombing of Thomson Lucky 7 store over same weekend","ABC reporting and local Geelong media said Lucky 7 in Thomson was firebombed twice over the same weekend in mid-November 2024. The second attack further damaged the Boundary Road convenience store amid Geelong's tobacco-war wave, which also hit a Norlane tobacconist twice.",[3346,3347],{"id":3309,"url":3310,"outlet":3311,"published_on":3312},{"id":3330,"url":3331,"outlet":2834,"published_on":3297},{"id":3094,"occurred_on":3349,"incident_type":209,"title":3350,"summary":3351,"lat":3352,"lng":3353,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3354,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3355},"2024-11-11","Car rammed and set alight at Pascoe Vale South tobacco shop","Police allege a car was rammed into a tobacco store on Coonans Road in Pascoe Vale South about 3.15am and set alight, with the blaze spreading to a second car and a neighbouring shopfront. A family living in an attached home escaped unharmed, and police were investigating a possible link to a wider spate of tobacco shop arson attacks.",-37.743454,144.93948,"Pascoe Vale South",[3356,3359],{"id":3357,"url":3358,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},275,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbourne-family-escapes-unharmed-from-tobacco-shop-arson-attack-in-pascoe-vale-south-c-16708555",{"id":3360,"url":3361,"outlet":3362,"published_on":3349},276,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.frv.vic.gov.au\u002Ffirefighters-battle-multiple-shop-blaze-pascoe-vale-south","Fire Rescue Victoria",{"id":3099,"occurred_on":3312,"incident_type":42,"title":3364,"summary":3365,"lat":3366,"lng":3367,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3368,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3369},"Cheltenham storage facilities raided as distribution hubs","Operation Eclipse detectives raided two large commercial storage facilities at Cheltenham identified as distribution centres for contraband tobacco, seizing close to $2.4 million in product between the two sites; a Queensland man was arrested for money laundering.",-34.8917,138.5461,"Cheltenham",[3370],{"id":2875,"url":2876,"outlet":2877,"published_on":2878},{"id":3372,"occurred_on":2635,"incident_type":89,"title":3373,"summary":3374,"lat":3375,"lng":3376,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3377,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3378},628,"Police link Tweed Heads and Ballina tobacconist attacks to organised crime","NSW Police say ram raids and arson on far north coast tobacconists, including at Tweed Heads and Ballina, are tied to an organised-crime network and have formed a strike force. Officers also investigated alleged targeting of a witness.",-28.181305,153.54677,"Tweed Heads",[3379],{"id":3380,"url":3381,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},806,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-11-15\u002Ftweed-tobacconist-ram-raid-ballina-arson-police-investigate\u002F104604202",{"id":3128,"occurred_on":2849,"incident_type":67,"title":3383,"summary":3384,"lat":3385,"lng":3386,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3387,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3388},"Ovingham man charged over arson attacks","A Ovingham man was arrested and charged with two counts of arson as part of the Operation Eclipse investigation into fires linked to the illicit tobacco trade.",-34.9036,138.5794,"Ovingham",[3389],{"id":2875,"url":2876,"outlet":2877,"published_on":2878},{"id":3135,"occurred_on":3391,"incident_type":42,"title":3392,"summary":3393,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3394},"2024-11-18","Border Force intercepts shipping container of illicit cigarettes at Melbourne docks","The Australian Border Force intercepted a shipping container arriving in Melbourne aboard an international container vessel that was found to be carrying illicit cigarettes falsely declared as furniture.",[3395],{"id":3396,"url":3397,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},277,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-03-03\u002Fblack-market-tobacco-manchester-cigarettes-four-corners\u002F104978592",{"id":3399,"occurred_on":3400,"incident_type":42,"title":3401,"summary":3402,"lat":3403,"lng":3404,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3405,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3406},625,"2024-11-19","Newcomb tobacconist evicted after police illicit-product raids","A tobacconist at Bellarine Village in Newcomb was kicked out of the shopping centre after specialist police raided the shop twice and seized illicit products. The action followed enforcement against illegal tobacco supply.",-38.163597,144.39604,"Newcomb",[3407],{"id":3408,"url":3409,"outlet":2834,"published_on":16},802,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.geelongadvertiser.com.au\u002Fsubscribe\u002Fnews\u002F1\u002F?sourceCode=GAWEB_WRE170_a_GGN&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geelongadvertiser.com.au%2Fnews%2Fgeelong%2Fbellarine-village-in-newcomb-boots-next-gen-tobacconist-after-police-raids%2Fnews-story%2Fffe14269f26107b010bd2dd228dadb2b&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium",{"id":3164,"occurred_on":3411,"incident_type":209,"title":3412,"summary":3413,"lat":3414,"lng":3415,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3416,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3417},"2024-11-21","Fayrouz Cafe rammed and set alight on Caroline Springs Boulevard","Just after 3am on 21 November 2024 a car was driven into Fayrouz Cafe on Caroline Springs Boulevard before it was set alight. The cafe suffered extensive damage; apartments above largely avoided serious damage. The attack was reported in the same overnight wave as other Melbourne tobacco-war style ram-raid arsons.",-37.734016,144.73663,"Caroline Springs",[3418],{"id":3326,"url":3327,"outlet":3328,"published_on":3321},{"id":3173,"occurred_on":3411,"incident_type":209,"title":3420,"summary":3421,"lat":3422,"lng":3423,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3424,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3425},"Kasr Sweets cafe rammed and partially set alight, Coolaroo","About 1.10am on 21 November 2024 a vehicle was driven into Kasr Sweets cafe on Somerton Road, Coolaroo (Roxburgh Plaza) and a fire occurred. Victoria Police confirmed the car ramming and fire at the confectionery store; it formed part of a multi-target overnight wave with Caroline Springs.",-37.65647,144.93503,"Coolaroo",[3426],{"id":3326,"url":3327,"outlet":3328,"published_on":3321},{"id":3185,"occurred_on":3411,"incident_type":42,"title":3428,"summary":3429,"lat":3028,"lng":3029,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3430,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3431},"Further Operation Eclipse raids across Adelaide","About 40 police officers conducted a further round of raids on premises suspected of selling illicit tobacco, seizing more than $250,000 worth of product as Operation Eclipse's cumulative tally continued to grow.","Adelaide metropolitan",[3432],{"id":2875,"url":2876,"outlet":2877,"published_on":2878},{"id":3434,"occurred_on":3411,"incident_type":42,"title":3435,"summary":3436,"lat":3437,"lng":3438,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3439,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3440},539,"Booker Bay raid uncovers $833,000 cash allegedly tied to illicit tobacco","Police from a specialist squad raided a Central Coast property at Booker Bay just after 6pm and allegedly seized about $833,025 in cash, described by police as proceeds of crime from illegal tobacco sales, along with restricted substances. A man was arrested at the scene and charged with dealing with proceeds of crime; police allege the money was linked to an organised illicit tobacco operation.",-33.511578,151.34479,"Booker Bay",[3441],{"id":3442,"url":3443,"outlet":173,"published_on":16},576,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.newcastleherald.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8827012\u002Fcentral-coast-raid-800000-allegedly-linked-to-illegal-tobacco\u002F",{"id":3189,"occurred_on":3445,"incident_type":256,"title":3446,"summary":3447,"lat":3448,"lng":3449,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3450,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3451},"2024-11-22","DokhKan Market tobacconist mattress fire on Bridge Road, Pooraka","Just before 1.15am on Friday 22 November 2024, police and fire crews attended DokhKan Market on Bridge Road, Pooraka, after a fire at a tobacco and gift shop. Reporting and later SA coverage described a mattress used as fuel outside security shutters; media and police linked the attack to South Australia's illicit tobacco conflict. The same Bridge Road complex was hit again in a multi-shop fire years later.",-34.824387,138.62224,"Pooraka",[3452,3455],{"id":3453,"url":3454,"outlet":3065,"published_on":3445},278,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.adelaidenow.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-sa\u002Fanother-adelaide-tobacco-shop-targeted-in-suspected-arson-attack-at-pooraka\u002Fnews-story\u002F6cbb072dbf0fc8301a309f5a231c8fc8",{"id":3326,"url":3327,"outlet":3328,"published_on":3321},{"id":3216,"occurred_on":3457,"incident_type":67,"title":3458,"summary":3459,"lat":3460,"lng":3461,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3017,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3462},"2024-11-29","Gawler man charged over Pennington gift shop arson","A Gawler man was arrested and charged with one count of arson over the 15 October attack on a gift shop on Addison Road, Pennington, the second arrest made in relation to that fire.",-34.8672,138.5344,[3463],{"id":3021,"url":3022,"outlet":118,"published_on":3023},{"id":3246,"occurred_on":3457,"incident_type":27,"title":3465,"summary":3466,"lat":3467,"lng":3468,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3469,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3470},"Attempted armed robbery of tobacco delivery truck in Guildford","Police allege associates of a Sydney organised-crime network attempted to rob a tobacco delivery truck in Guildford. Detectives later cited the attempted heist as one of a series of offences - alongside a warehouse kidnapping\u002Fassault in Condell Park and a Casula storage-unit theft - committed by an alleged network fighting for control of the illicit tobacco trade; six men linked to the network were charged in March 2025 over the pattern of offending.",-33.8608,150.9975,"Guildford",[3471,3472],{"id":1890,"url":1891,"outlet":1892,"published_on":16},{"id":3473,"url":3474,"outlet":3475,"published_on":16},279,"https:\u002F\u002Fcityhub.com.au\u002Fnsw-police-arrest-seven-men-after-1-4-tonnes-of-tobacco-is-seized\u002F","City Hub",{"id":3477,"occurred_on":3457,"incident_type":67,"title":3478,"summary":3479,"lat":3480,"lng":3481,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3124,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3482},622,"Two arrested and extradited over north-coast tobacconist arson and ram raids","Police raided properties in Queensland and arrested two people who were extradited to NSW over alleged arson and ram-raid attacks on north-coast tobacconists. Charges include aggravated break and enter, arson and participating in a criminal group.",-28.869986,153.55905,[3483],{"id":3484,"url":3485,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},794,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-11-29\u002Ftwo-men-arrested-over-tobacconist-arson-attacks\u002F104664268",{"id":3279,"occurred_on":3487,"incident_type":256,"title":3488,"summary":3489,"lat":3490,"lng":3491,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3492,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3493},"2024-11-30","Tobacco shop on High Street, Preston, gutted by fire","Police allege a tobacco shop on High Street, Preston, was significantly damaged by fire about 3.15am, the latest in a string of suspected arson attacks. Detectives and an arson chemist attended and are treating the fire as suspicious.",-37.742535,145.0086,"Preston",[3494],{"id":3495,"url":3496,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},280,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-victoria\u002Fpolice-probe-fire-at-preston-tobacco-shop\u002Fnews-story\u002Fa37bef436a385a4e9e970a90d539ff42",{"id":3291,"occurred_on":3498,"incident_type":256,"title":3499,"summary":3500,"lat":3501,"lng":3502,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3503,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3504},"2024-12-01","Newly opened Fortitude Valley tobacco shop firebombed","A newly opened tobacco shop in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, was firebombed by a masked man in the early hours of the morning, just weeks after opening, amid a growing tobacco turf war.",-27.456766,153.03436,"Fortitude Valley",[3505],{"id":3506,"url":3507,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},281,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fqueensland\u002Fpolice-treating-tobacconist-fire-south-of-brisbane-as-suspicious-20250118-p5l5ej.html",{"id":3294,"occurred_on":3498,"incident_type":209,"title":3509,"summary":3510,"lat":3511,"lng":3512,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3513,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3514},"Pascoe Vale tobacco shop destroyed by suspicious fire on Gaffney Street","Emergency services were called to a tobacco shop on Gaffney Street, Pascoe Vale, about 4:30am after a fire gutted the premises. Police treated the fire as suspicious amid the wider illicit-tobacco conflict.",-37.725574,144.93945,"Pascoe Vale",[3515],{"id":3516,"url":3517,"outlet":269,"published_on":3498},282,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fpascoe-vale-tobacco-shop-gutted-by-flames-in-melbournes-north-20241201-p5z8ua.html",{"id":3306,"occurred_on":3519,"incident_type":89,"title":3520,"summary":3521,"lat":2942,"lng":2943,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2944,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3522},"2024-12-02","Second attack on Racecourse Road Flemington tobacco store (ram-raid attempt)","Police allege two male offenders attempted a ram-raid and arson attack at Tobacco Junction on Racecourse Road, Flemington, about 5am. The store had been targeted about two months earlier. The incident was framed as part of Victoria's illicit tobacco conflict.",[3523],{"id":3524,"url":3525,"outlet":749,"published_on":3519},283,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Fflemington-tobacco-store-targeted-by-arsonists-for-the-second-time-in-two-months\u002Fnews-story\u002Fc51226f9b41d7030d98572e597b13db2",{"id":3309,"occurred_on":3527,"incident_type":209,"title":3528,"summary":3529,"lat":3530,"lng":3531,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3532,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3533},"2024-12-05","Rochester tobacco and gift shop rammed and firebombed on Mackay Street","Police allege a vehicle reversed into a tobacco and gift shop on Mackay Street, Rochester, about 5:20am and two men lit a fire inside before driving away. The store was gutted and a neighbouring barber shop was significantly damaged. Taskforce Lunar is investigating links to the illicit tobacco trade.",-36.36093,144.70001,"Rochester",[3534,3537],{"id":3535,"url":3536,"outlet":252,"published_on":3527},284,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-12-05\u002Frochester-tobacco-store-arson-investigation\u002F104688294",{"id":3538,"url":3539,"outlet":1449,"published_on":16},803,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bendigoadvertiser.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8838330\u002Fearly-morning-blaze-contained-at-rochester-shop-corner\u002F",{"id":3326,"occurred_on":3541,"incident_type":256,"title":3542,"summary":3543,"lat":3544,"lng":3545,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3546,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3547},"2024-12-06","Synagogue firebombed at Ripponlea","Police allege three individuals broke into a synagogue in Ripponlea and set it alight on 6 December, severely damaging the building. Investigators allege links between the attack, an illicit-tobacco network and foreign-directed actors; the car used was linked to a separate nightclub arson.",-37.87662,144.99565,"Ripponlea",[3548],{"id":3549,"url":3550,"outlet":1363,"published_on":16},285,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theaustralian.com.au\u002Fnation\u002Fantiterror-cops-swoop-on-alleged-synagogue-firebomber\u002Fnews-story\u002F39ea3962ff4221c0397a7a5a223cd3ec",{"id":3330,"occurred_on":3552,"incident_type":209,"title":3553,"summary":3554,"lat":3555,"lng":3556,"location_precision":547,"suburb":846,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3557},"2024-12-10","Craigieburn shopping centre tobacconist firebombed","Three people allegedly got out of a black Holden Commodore and threw an accelerant into a tobacconist in a Craigieburn Road shopping centre about 3.30am before igniting it, causing significant damage. The car was later found burnt out in Epping. Taskforce Lunar warned the arson could have caused serious harm given the shopping centre setting.",-37.6,144.94,[3558,3562],{"id":3559,"url":3560,"outlet":118,"published_on":3561},286,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Flunar-investigate-craigieburn-arson-attack-1374517\u002F","2024-12-11",{"id":3563,"url":3564,"outlet":118,"published_on":3565},287,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-charge-man-after-craigieburn-arson-attack-1404346\u002F","2025-02-07",{"id":3339,"occurred_on":3561,"incident_type":42,"title":3567,"summary":3568,"lat":3569,"lng":3570,"location_precision":547,"suburb":3571,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3572},"Welland tobacco stockpile shed uncovered","Police raiding 15 retail premises discovered a major stockpile of illicit tobacco in a shed behind a store at Welland, believed to supply multiple outlets across Adelaide's western suburbs; a courier was intercepted delivering further contraband during the search.",-34.8919,138.5686,"Welland",[3573],{"id":3021,"url":3022,"outlet":118,"published_on":3023},{"id":3357,"occurred_on":3023,"incident_type":42,"title":3575,"summary":3576,"lat":3577,"lng":3578,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3579,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3580},"First stores shut under SA's new illicit-tobacco closure powers","South Australia's Consumer Affairs Minister used new closure powers for the first time, ordering five unlicensed tobacco retailers shut at Hindmarsh, Dernancourt, Salisbury North, Blair Athol and Campbelltown following evidence of illicit tobacco sales.",-34.9138,138.5714,"Hindmarsh",[3581],{"id":3582,"url":3583,"outlet":3584,"published_on":2055},288,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationaltribune.com.au\u002Ffirst-illicit-tobacco-stores-closed-under-sa-s-tough-new-laws\u002F","The National Tribune",{"id":3586,"occurred_on":3023,"incident_type":89,"title":3587,"summary":3588,"lat":3589,"lng":3590,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3591,"state":2201,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3592},629,"Wright tobacconist smashed in ram raid","A vehicle was captured smashing into a tobacconist in Wright in a ram raid. Police and local media reported the attack on the Canberra-region store.",-35.3196,149.03352,"Wright",[3593],{"id":3594,"url":3595,"outlet":3596,"published_on":16},807,"https:\u002F\u002Fregion.com.au\u002Fwatch-car-smashes-into-wright-tobacconist-during-ram-raid\u002F834486\u002F","region.com.au",{"id":3360,"occurred_on":3598,"incident_type":42,"title":3599,"summary":3600,"lat":3285,"lng":3286,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3287,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3601},"2024-12-15","Police raid inner-Brisbane tobacco shops selling illicit cigarettes","Police raided three convenience stores in West End, inner Brisbane, suspected of selling illicit cigarettes, temporarily closing at least one. Within months the store was again observed selling illegal cigarettes.",[3602],{"id":345,"url":346,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":3604,"occurred_on":3605,"incident_type":8,"title":3606,"summary":3607,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3608},624,"2024-12-16","Court hears tobacconist claims shop firebombed after alleged pay demand refused","At a Melbourne Magistrates Court committal, a tobacconist gave evidence claiming their business was firebombed after they refused alleged demands linked to control of the illicit tobacco trade. The accused faces multiple arson-related charges over incidents across Melbourne.",[3609,3612],{"id":3610,"url":3611,"outlet":1525,"published_on":16},798,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Ftobacco-store-owner-rabih-haddara-claims-threats-before-alleged-arson-attack-20241216-p5z9d2.html",{"id":3613,"url":3614,"outlet":1525,"published_on":16},799,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Faccused-tobacco-store-arson-ringleader-to-stand-trial-20241218-p5z9fn.html",{"id":3396,"occurred_on":3616,"incident_type":256,"title":3617,"summary":3618,"lat":2942,"lng":2943,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2944,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3619},"2024-12-24","Racecourse Road Flemington tobacco shop set alight on Christmas Eve","In the early hours of Christmas Eve, emergency services were called to a blaze at a tobacco shop on Racecourse Road, Flemington, amid a pair of early-morning shop fires linked by media to Melbourne's tobacco wars.",[3620],{"id":3621,"url":3622,"outlet":749,"published_on":3616},289,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-victoria\u002Fa-fiery-christmas-eve-in-melbournes-tobacco-wars\u002Fnews-story\u002Fa97f7655e892d300bd6eb31f0d1a0874",{"id":3453,"occurred_on":3616,"incident_type":256,"title":3624,"summary":3625,"lat":3626,"lng":3627,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3243,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3628},"Norlane (Geelong) tobacco shop damaged by fire","A tobacco shop on Donnybrook Road, Norlane in Geelong was damaged in a fire just before 1:30am, treated by police as suspicious.",-38.096,144.351,[3629],{"id":3630,"url":3631,"outlet":1754,"published_on":3616},290,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bay939.com.au\u002Flocal-news\u002Fnorlane-shop-damaged-by-fire\u002F",{"id":3473,"occurred_on":3633,"incident_type":209,"title":3634,"summary":3635,"lat":3501,"lng":3502,"location_precision":547,"suburb":3503,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3636},"2024-12-26","Brisbane tobacco store firebombed, alleged arsonist injured fleeing","Police allege a masked man carrying a jerry can entered a newly opened tobacco store on Wickham Street in Fortitude Valley about 3.30am, struggled with the store owner, then set the shop alight, causing an explosion that destroyed the store. The alleged offender fled in a vehicle after appearing to catch fire himself, and police were investigating possible links to organised crime and a tobacconist turf war.",[3637,3640,3643,3646,3649],{"id":3638,"url":3639,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},291,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fnew-brisbane-tobacco-store-gutted-in-alleged-arson-attack-suspect-flees-after-setting-himself-on-fire--c-17208264",{"id":3641,"url":3642,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},292,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-12-27\u002Fpolice-investigate-organised-crime-links-brisbane-tobacco-store\u002F104765954",{"id":3644,"url":3645,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},293,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-01-17\u002Fqueensland-illegal-tobacco-trade-arson-attacks\u002F104816960",{"id":3647,"url":3648,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},294,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024-12-26\u002Ffirebomb-brisbane-male-suspect-police-enquire\u002F104763532",{"id":3650,"url":3651,"outlet":3652,"published_on":3633},295,"https:\u002F\u002Ffortitudevalleynews.com.au\u002Ffortitude-valley-shop-firebombed-in-suspected-arson-attack\u002F","Fortitude Valley News",{"id":3495,"occurred_on":3633,"incident_type":256,"title":3654,"summary":3655,"lat":3422,"lng":3423,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3424,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":17,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3656},"Coolaroo nargile cafe fire on Pascoe Vale Road","On Boxing Day 2024 a large fire broke out at a nargile (hookah) cafe on Pascoe Vale Road near Reservoir Drive, Coolaroo. Firefighters contained the blaze before it spread to other businesses. The incident was logged amid Melbourne's ongoing tobacco-war arson wave targeting tobacco and related retail premises.",[3657],{"id":3326,"url":3327,"outlet":3328,"published_on":3321},{"id":3506,"occurred_on":3659,"incident_type":256,"title":3660,"summary":3661,"lat":3662,"lng":3663,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3664,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3665},"2024-12-31","Attempted break-in and fire at Eagleby tobacconist on River Hills Road","About 3:30am, two males in dark clothing allegedly tried to force entry to a tobacconist on River Hills Road, Eagleby, from rear then front, then set fire to items near the front of the business. Members of the public and fire crews extinguished the blaze. Some damage was caused; no stock was taken.",-27.702559,153.21306,"Eagleby",[3666],{"id":3667,"url":3668,"outlet":1029,"published_on":3659},296,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2024\u002F12\u002F31\u002Farson-break-and-enter-eagleby\u002F",{"id":3516,"occurred_on":3670,"incident_type":42,"title":3671,"summary":3672,"lat":3285,"lng":3286,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3287,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3673},"2025-01-01","Brisbane tobacconist temporarily shut over illegal tobacco supply","Queensland's Health Department temporarily closed a convenience store in Brisbane's West End over alleged illicit tobacco supply; the shop later reopened and continued selling illegal cigarettes for $10 cash.",[3674],{"id":389,"url":390,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":3524,"occurred_on":3676,"incident_type":27,"title":3677,"summary":3678,"lat":1885,"lng":3679,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3680,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3681},"2025-01-04","Violent robbery attempt at rival tobacco network's Condell Park warehouse","Police allege a group of men attempted to steal more than a tonne of illegal tobacco from a rival network's warehouse in an industrial unit at Condell Park, triggering an alarm. When men connected to the warehouse arrived, police allege they were bound at the hands and feet and violently assaulted, with one victim suffering a partially severed toe, in an incident tied to the escalating NSW illicit tobacco trade conflict.",151.0333,"Condell Park",[3682,3687,3690],{"id":3683,"url":3684,"outlet":3685,"published_on":3686},297,"https:\u002F\u002Fkrayemandco.com.au\u002Fstaging2026\u002Ftoe-cut-off-barbaric-attack-sydney-tobacco-wars\u002F","Krayem & Co Lawyers","2026-04-18",{"id":3688,"url":3689,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},722,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-03-26\u002Fseven-arrested-tobacco-theft-sydney-black-market-sydney-budget\u002F105096398",{"id":3691,"url":3692,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},732,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fthird-man-charged-in-condell-park-tobacco-theft-1416824\u002F",{"id":3535,"occurred_on":2960,"incident_type":349,"title":3694,"summary":3695,"lat":3696,"lng":3697,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3416,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":6,"status":19,"sources":3698},"Man shot dead in suburban ambush, Caroline Springs","Police allege a man in his 30s was executed in a targeted ambush on a residential street, with the attacker using flashing lights and a siren to impersonate police and the getaway car later found burnt out. Detectives say the killing is likely linked to Melbourne's long-running illicit tobacco war.",-37.7333,144.7333,[3699,3703,3706],{"id":3700,"url":3701,"outlet":3702,"published_on":605},298,"https:\u002F\u002Faapnews.aap.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fsearch-for-killer-after-shooting-in-suburban-street","AAP",{"id":3704,"url":3705,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},733,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-01-10\u002Fcaroline-springs-fatal-shooting-police-investigate\u002F104802666",{"id":3707,"url":3708,"outlet":3709,"published_on":16},734,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thenewdaily.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fstate\u002Fvic\u002F2025\u002F01\u002F10\u002Fcaroline-springs-shooting","The New Daily",{"id":3549,"occurred_on":2960,"incident_type":209,"title":3711,"summary":3712,"lat":3713,"lng":3714,"location_precision":547,"suburb":473,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3715},"Two adjoining tobacco shops set alight overnight, 20 apartments evacuated in Springvale","An illicit-tobacco taskforce investigated a fire that gutted two neighbouring tobacco shops on Buckingham Avenue. Offenders allegedly arrived in a white van just before 2am and set the stores alight before fleeing. Residents of the 20 apartments above were evacuated and the building sustained significant structural damage; no one was injured. Treated as suspicious and linked to the wider tobacco-trade arson campaign.",-37.9483,145.153,[3716,3717],{"id":2958,"url":2959,"outlet":225,"published_on":2960},{"id":3718,"url":3719,"outlet":2487,"published_on":2960},299,"https:\u002F\u002Fdandenong.starcommunity.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-01-09\u002Fsuspicious-springvale-fire-under-investigation\u002F",{"id":3559,"occurred_on":3721,"incident_type":256,"title":3722,"summary":3723,"lat":3724,"lng":3725,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2272,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3726},"2025-01-13","Man critically injured in dessert bar arson attack on Chapel Street","Police allege a group of men broke into a dessert bar on Chapel Street in Prahran about 4.15am, poured accelerant through the building and set it alight, triggering an explosion that left one of the alleged offenders critically injured. Police said the same premises had been targeted in a similar attack the previous month, amid Melbourne's wider wave of tobacco-related arson attacks.",-37.85133,145.00182,[3727,3730],{"id":3728,"url":3729,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},300,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fman-in-a-critical-condition-after-alleged-arson-attack-on-tobacco-shop-on-chapel-st-in-prahran-melbourne--c-17392790",{"id":3731,"url":3732,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},735,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Farrest-made-images-released-in-prahran-arson-1631227\u002F",{"id":3563,"occurred_on":3721,"incident_type":42,"title":3734,"summary":3735,"lat":3736,"lng":2331,"location_precision":13,"suburb":732,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3737},"Hidden illicit-tobacco stash uncovered in Hoppers Crossing factory raid","Police raided a factory on Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing, and seized a stash of alleged illicit tobacco and related products. The investigation was ongoing and police declined to release further details at the time. The raid formed part of the broader crackdown on the illicit-tobacco trade in Melbourne's west.",-37.882,[3738],{"id":3739,"url":3740,"outlet":1414,"published_on":3741},301,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wyndhamtv.com.au\u002Fhidden-tobacco-stash-uncovered-in-hoppers-crossing-factory-raid\u002F","2025-01-14",{"id":3582,"occurred_on":3743,"incident_type":349,"title":3744,"summary":3745,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":6,"status":19,"sources":3746},"2025-01-15","Melbourne tobacco black-market figure shot dead in car park","Police allege a man linked to the illicit tobacco black market was fatally shot in front of a companion in the underground car park of a Melbourne serviced apartment block, around the same time as a fatal tobacco-related firebombing elsewhere in the city.",[3747],{"id":3396,"url":3397,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":3621,"occurred_on":3743,"incident_type":209,"title":3749,"summary":3750,"lat":3724,"lng":3725,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2272,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3751},"Better Choice Gifts and Smoke Shop fire on Chapel Street, Prahran","Police investigated a blaze that caused extensive damage to Better Choice Gifts and Smoke Shop on Chapel Street, Prahran, around mid-January 2025 - another smoke-shop fire during Melbourne's tobacco wars, distinct from other Chapel Street arsons in the same corridor.",[3752,3755,3756,3760],{"id":3753,"url":3754,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},302,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fdeath-of-the-first-innocent-how-the-government-bungled-the-tobacco-war-20250218-p5ld1v.html",{"id":3326,"url":3327,"outlet":3328,"published_on":3321},{"id":3757,"url":3758,"outlet":118,"published_on":3759},303,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fthree-more-charged-in-prahran-fatal-arson-attack-1638190\u002F","2025-06-01",{"id":3761,"url":3762,"outlet":225,"published_on":3763},304,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fman-dies-after-prahran-arson-attack-1475760\u002F","2025-06-11",{"id":3630,"occurred_on":3765,"incident_type":209,"title":3766,"summary":3767,"lat":3768,"lng":598,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1692,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":6,"status":19,"sources":3769},"2025-01-16","Fatal Truganina house fire in case of mistaken identity","A woman died after a townhouse on Forsyth Road, Truganina, where she was house-sitting, was allegedly firebombed by two offenders in the early hours. Police allege the attack was intended for a different address and is linked to Victoria's illicit tobacco trade dispute; offenders fled in a dark SUV resembling a BMW X3. No one has been convicted.",-37.8167,[3770,3774,3775,3776,3779,3782,3785,3788,3791,3794,3798,3802],{"id":3771,"url":3772,"outlet":118,"published_on":3773},305,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ftruganina-fatal-fire-tied-to-illicit-tobacco-1409823\u002F","2025-02-18",{"id":3396,"url":3397,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":3753,"url":3754,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":3777,"url":3778,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},307,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fpolice-believe-woman-killed-in-truganina-house-fire-was-the-first-victim-of-melbournes-ongoing-tobacco-war--c-17759006",{"id":3780,"url":3781,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},308,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Ftobacco-war-to-blame-for-completely-innocent-house-sitter-s-firebomb-death-20250218-p5lcxy.html",{"id":3783,"url":3784,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},309,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002F500-000-reward-in-tobacco-war-firebomb-case-that-killed-innocent-burlesque-performer-20250721-p5mgid.html",{"id":3786,"url":3787,"outlet":1363,"published_on":16},310,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theaustralian.com.au\u002Fnation\u002Fbotched-firebombing-tied-to-tobacco-war-500k-reward-on-offer\u002Fnews-story\u002Ff6f26e82ffa6f16d9b559dfc1f6954a7",{"id":3789,"url":3790,"outlet":490,"published_on":3765},312,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8868040\u002Fmistaken-identity-probe-as-house-sitter-killed-in-fire\u002F",{"id":3792,"url":3793,"outlet":23,"published_on":3773},311,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sbs.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fpodcast-episode\u002Ffatal-house-fire-linked-to-melbournes-tobacco-wars\u002Faeh9h32a4",{"id":3795,"url":3796,"outlet":3797,"published_on":3773},314,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bendigoadvertiser.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8894953\u002Fpolice-close-in-on-arsonists-after-innocent-life-lost\u002F","Bendigo Advertiser (AAP wire)",{"id":3799,"url":3800,"outlet":225,"published_on":3801},313,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002F500k-reward-in-fatal-truganina-house-fire-probe-1499669\u002F","2025-07-21",{"id":3803,"url":3804,"outlet":1892,"published_on":3805},306,"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FMelbourne_tobacco_wars","2026-07-07",{"id":3807,"occurred_on":3808,"incident_type":209,"title":3809,"summary":3810,"lat":3501,"lng":3502,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3503,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3811},632,"2025-01-17","Man faces court over alleged Fortitude Valley tobacconist firebombing","Police working to disrupt the illicit tobacco trade in Queensland arrested a man accused of an early-morning firebombing of a Fortitude Valley convenience store and related assault. The accused appeared in court.",[3812],{"id":3813,"url":3814,"outlet":621,"published_on":16},810,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fqld\u002Fman-accused-of-early-morning-firebombing-on-tobacconist-faces-court-20250117-p5za8p.html",{"id":3638,"occurred_on":3816,"incident_type":256,"title":3817,"summary":3818,"lat":3819,"lng":3820,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3821,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3822},"2025-01-18","Suspicious fire destroys Beenleigh tobacconist","A tobacconist on City Road, Beenleigh, south of Brisbane, was destroyed by fire in the early hours of the morning. Police treated the fire as suspicious amid fears of an escalating tobacco turf war in south-east Queensland.",-27.716097,153.20207,"Beenleigh",[3823,3824,3828],{"id":3506,"url":3507,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":3825,"url":3826,"outlet":3827,"published_on":16},736,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.brisbanetimes.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fqueensland\u002Fpolice-treating-tobacconist-fire-south-of-brisbane-as-suspicious-20250118-p5l5ej.html","Brisbane Times",{"id":3829,"url":3830,"outlet":1029,"published_on":16},737,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Flogan\u002F2025\u002F01\u002F18\u002Fsuspicious-fire-appeal-beenleigh\u002F",{"id":3641,"occurred_on":3832,"incident_type":67,"title":3833,"summary":3834,"lat":3835,"lng":3836,"location_precision":13,"suburb":612,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3837},"2025-01-23","Two charged over alleged extortion and threat to burn Wangaratta tobacco store","Illicit-tobacco taskforce detectives charged two men over the alleged extortion of a tobacco store on Murphy Street in Wangaratta, where a person had allegedly demanded the shop close and threatened it would be set alight. Search warrants were executed at residential addresses in Melbourne's outer north. Charges included extortion with threat to destroy property; the matter was listed at Wangaratta Magistrates' Court. The allegations are yet to be tested in court.",-36.3583,146.3167,[3838,3841],{"id":3839,"url":3840,"outlet":118,"published_on":3832},315,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ftaskforce-lunar-charges-two-in-wangaratta-arson-1395600\u002F",{"id":3842,"url":3843,"outlet":3844,"published_on":3845},316,"https:\u002F\u002Facapmag.com.au\u002F2025\u002F01\u002Fman-charged-over-threat-to-burn-wangaratta-tobacco-store\u002F","ACAPMag","2025-01-24",{"id":3847,"occurred_on":3832,"incident_type":42,"title":3848,"summary":3849,"lat":3850,"lng":3851,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3852,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3853},633,"Police and NSW Health raid Goulburn tobacco outlets and seize products","Authorities conducted raids on tobacco stores in Goulburn and Crookwell, with at least one convenience store closed after a police raid and product seizures. Officials remained limited in public detail on the operation.",-34.75397,149.71889,"Goulburn",[3854],{"id":3855,"url":3856,"outlet":146,"published_on":16},811,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goulburnpost.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8872244\u002Fpolice-nsw-health-riad-goulburn-tobacco-outlets-seize-products\u002F",{"id":3644,"occurred_on":3845,"incident_type":256,"title":3858,"summary":3859,"lat":3860,"lng":3861,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3862,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3863},"Nerang tobacco store gutted by early-morning fire on Price Street","Fire crews were called about 4.30am on Friday 24 January 2025 to a tobacco store on Price Street, Nerang, on the Gold Coast. Multiple crews extinguished a blaze that filled the shop with smoke and flame. The incident occurred during Queensland's wave of tobacconist arsons investigated by Taskforce Masher.",-27.989454,153.33656,"Nerang",[3864,3868],{"id":3865,"url":3866,"outlet":3867,"published_on":3832},317,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hottomato.com.au\u002Fgold-coast\u002Fbreaking-fire-crews-battle-blaze-in-gold-coast-tobacco-store\u002F","Hot Tomato \u002F myGC",{"id":3869,"url":3870,"outlet":989,"published_on":3845},318,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goldcoastbulletin.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fgold-coast\u002Femergency-services-called-to-fire-at-tobacconist-on-price-st-in-nerang\u002Fnews-story\u002Fcc521d823fe226a93cdc44d5bb195081",{"id":3647,"occurred_on":3872,"incident_type":209,"title":3873,"summary":3874,"lat":3875,"lng":3876,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3877,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3878},"2025-01-26","First arson attack on Maryland Street tobacco store, Stanthorpe","Police allege that about 4am on 26 January, offenders broke into a tobacco store on Maryland Street, Stanthorpe, doused the building with flammable liquid and set it on fire. The fire self-extinguished before emergency services arrived and no one was injured. Two men were later charged under Operation Xray Stars with Taskforce Masher assistance.",-28.654552,151.93564,"Stanthorpe",[3879,3883,3886],{"id":3880,"url":3881,"outlet":1029,"published_on":3882},319,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F06\u002Fupdate-tobacconist-arson-attacks-stanthorpe\u002F","2025-02-06",{"id":3884,"url":3885,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},738,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-01-28\u002Fstanthorpe-tobacco-shop-burnt-two-fires-suspicious\u002F104866852",{"id":3887,"url":3888,"outlet":1029,"published_on":16},739,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fdarlingdowns\u002F2025\u002F01\u002F28\u002Fsuspicious-fires-stanthorpe\u002F",{"id":3650,"occurred_on":3890,"incident_type":349,"title":3891,"summary":3892,"lat":3893,"lng":1695,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3492,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":6,"status":19,"sources":3894},"2025-01-28","Underworld figure shot dead in car-park ambush, Preston","Police allege a well-known underworld figure in his 30s was shot dead in a daylight ambush in a car park as he walked to his vehicle. Reporting notes several businesses and a gym connected to him had earlier been firebombed as the illicit tobacco war escalated, though police framed the killing itself as gangland retaliation.",-37.7417,[3895,3899],{"id":3896,"url":3897,"outlet":3898,"published_on":3890},320,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.portnews.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8877535\u002Frevenge-fears-as-ambush-takes-down-underworld-identity\u002F","Port Macquarie News (AAP)",{"id":3900,"url":3901,"outlet":838,"published_on":3890},321,"https:\u002F\u002Fau.news.yahoo.com\u002Fman-killed-suspected-gangland-hit-010624906.html",{"id":3667,"occurred_on":3890,"incident_type":256,"title":3903,"summary":3904,"lat":3905,"lng":3906,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3907,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3908},"Ballajura store targeted by arson","Police allege a store in Ballajura, believed connected to the illicit tobacco trade, was targeted in an arson attack in January 2025 - the first of several attacks on the same premises over the following year, referenced in WA Parliament as part of an escalating pattern of tobacco-linked violence in Perth.",-31.8329,115.9184,"Ballajura",[3909,3914],{"id":3910,"url":3911,"outlet":3912,"published_on":3913},322,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.parliament.wa.gov.au\u002Fhansard\u002Fdaily\u002Flh\u002F2026-02-24\u002F24","WA Parliament Hansard (Legislative Assembly)","2026-02-24",{"id":3915,"url":3916,"outlet":3917,"published_on":16},323,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.crimestopperswa.com.au\u002Fopen-cases\u002Farson-illawarra-crescent-ballajura-28-january-2025\u002F","Crime Stoppers WA",{"id":3683,"occurred_on":3890,"incident_type":209,"title":3919,"summary":3920,"lat":3875,"lng":3876,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3877,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3921},"Second arson attack on same Stanthorpe tobacco store","Police allege the same tobacco store on Maryland Street, Stanthorpe, was set alight again about 2:30am on 28 January, two days after the first attack. No one was injured; the premises was extensively damaged. Two men were later charged over both arsons as part of Operation Xray Stars.",[3922,3923,3926],{"id":3880,"url":3881,"outlet":1029,"published_on":3882},{"id":3924,"url":3925,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},740,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-update-tobacconist-arson-attacks-at-1403642\u002F",{"id":3927,"url":3928,"outlet":3929,"published_on":16},741,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationaltribune.com.au\u002Fpolice-update-tobacconist-arson-attacks-at-stanthorpe\u002F","National Tribune",{"id":3700,"occurred_on":3931,"incident_type":42,"title":3932,"summary":3933,"lat":3934,"lng":3935,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3936,"state":1252,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3937},"2025-01-31","Illegal vape seizure, Palmerston","NT Police Serious Crime Squad detectives searched a Palmerston residence and seized 2,335 nicotine vape units (estimated street value $140,000) along with cannabis, following community intelligence; a man and woman were issued notices to appear in court.",-12.4828,130.9832,"Palmerston",[3938,3941],{"id":3939,"url":3940,"outlet":2509,"published_on":3931},324,"https:\u002F\u002Fpfes.nt.gov.au\u002Fnewsroom\u002F2025\u002Fillegal-vape-seizure-palmerston",{"id":3942,"url":3943,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},742,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fillegal-vape-seizure-palmerston-1401229\u002F",{"id":3718,"occurred_on":3882,"incident_type":67,"title":3945,"summary":3946,"lat":3947,"lng":3556,"location_precision":13,"suburb":846,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3948},"Man charged over alleged arson attack on Craigieburn tobacco store","Illicit-tobacco taskforce detectives charged a man over an alleged arson attack on a tobacconist at a Craigieburn shopping centre, in which offenders allegedly threw accelerant into the store and set it alight before fleeing in a stolen vehicle. The accused was arrested in Docklands and charged with arson and theft of a motor vehicle. The allegations are yet to be tested in court.",-37.599,[3949,3950],{"id":3563,"url":3564,"outlet":118,"published_on":3565},{"id":3951,"url":3952,"outlet":3953,"published_on":16},743,"https:\u002F\u002Fnorthern.starweekly.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fcharges-over-craigieburn-tobacco-store-arson\u002F","Star Weekly",{"id":3728,"occurred_on":3955,"incident_type":42,"title":3956,"summary":3957,"lat":3958,"lng":3959,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3960,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3961},"2025-02-10","Record single-store illicit tobacco seizure in Adelaide's north","Consumer and Business Services' illicit tobacco taskforce raided a store in Adelaide's northern suburbs, seizing about 548,000 cigarettes, nearly 12,000 vapes and 500+ nicotine pouch containers worth more than $1 million - the taskforce's largest single-inspection seizure to date.",-34.7181,138.6667,"Adelaide (north)",[3962],{"id":3963,"url":3964,"outlet":118,"published_on":3955},325,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002F1-million-illicit-tobacco-bust-in-adelaides-1405307\u002F",{"id":3739,"occurred_on":3966,"incident_type":349,"title":3967,"summary":3968,"lat":1286,"lng":1287,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1288,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3969},"2025-02-12","House on Mills Street, Altona North, sprayed with gunfire","Police allege a vehicle drove towards a single-storey home on Mills Street, Altona North, and fired at least nine shots about 1.45am, shattering windows. A three-year-old child was reportedly sleeping inside; no one was physically injured. Investigators linked the attack to the tobacco war.",[3970],{"id":3971,"url":3972,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},326,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Fhouse-on-mills-st-blasted-with-gunfire-in-early-morning-attack-on-wednesday\u002Fnews-story\u002Ffc3a1d95fe8d67838987f82ad14f3c1b",{"id":3974,"occurred_on":3975,"incident_type":209,"title":3976,"summary":3977,"lat":3978,"lng":3979,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1692,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3980},638,"2025-02-17","Fatal Truganina house firebombing linked by police to illicit tobacco conflict","Police say a fatal house firebombing in Truganina that killed a woman has been linked to Melbourne's illicit tobacco wars. The victim was described as uninvolved in the trade.",-37.808067,144.72339,[3981],{"id":3982,"url":3983,"outlet":621,"published_on":16},820,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Ftruganina-house-fire-fatal-firebombing-that-killed-katie-tangey-linked-to-melbournes-tobacco-war-police-say-20250218-p5zb7c.html",{"id":3985,"occurred_on":3975,"incident_type":42,"title":3986,"summary":3987,"lat":1130,"lng":1131,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1132,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3988},634,"Illicit tobacco and cash seized in Horsham store raid","Police raided a Firebrace Street store in Horsham on 17 February, seizing over 12,000 illicit cigarette sticks, loose-leaf tobacco, e-cigarettes and about $10,000 cash. A worker was charged and bailed to Horsham Magistrates' Court; detectives allege organised-crime network links.",[3989,3992],{"id":3990,"url":3991,"outlet":2449,"published_on":16},812,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au\u002Farticles\u002Fpolice-raid-horsham-tobacco-shop\u002F",{"id":3993,"url":3994,"outlet":2704,"published_on":16},813,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wimmeramalleenews.com.au\u002Fillicit-tobacco-seized-in-horsham-store-raid-2025-02-21",{"id":3753,"occurred_on":3773,"incident_type":256,"title":3996,"summary":3997,"lat":2731,"lng":2759,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2760,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":3998},"Dandenong shop rammed and torched","A Dandenong outlet was allegedly rammed by a vehicle and set alight amid the wave of illicit-tobacco-linked attacks in the area.",[3999],{"id":4000,"url":4001,"outlet":2487,"published_on":4002},327,"https:\u002F\u002Fdandenong.starcommunity.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-02-19\u002Fdandenong-shop-rammed-torched\u002F","2025-02-19",{"id":3757,"occurred_on":4002,"incident_type":42,"title":4004,"summary":4005,"lat":2643,"lng":2644,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2645,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4006},"SA police raid tobacco businesses in south-east and Adelaide","Police searched ten properties, including tobacconists, gift shops, a storage facility and homes, in Mount Gambier, Naracoorte and Millicent, seizing almost $800,000 worth of tobacco and $66,000 in cash. A further four premises in Adelaide were searched, yielding $140,000 of allegedly illicit tobacco. A Salisbury North man was charged with failing to provide his name and address.",[4007,4008],{"id":2649,"url":2650,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":4009,"url":4010,"outlet":118,"published_on":4011},328,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Foperation-eclipse-raids-in-south-east-1414255\u002F","2025-03-03",{"id":3761,"occurred_on":4002,"incident_type":256,"title":4013,"summary":4014,"lat":4015,"lng":4016,"location_precision":547,"suburb":4017,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4018},"Noble Park tobacco shop ram-raided","A vehicle was crashed into the side brick wall of a tobacco shop in Noble Park about dawn on a Wednesday, causing significant structural damage. Police treated it as a targeted attack tied to the ongoing illicit tobacco trade conflict.",-37.97,145.17,"Noble Park",[4019],{"id":4020,"url":4021,"outlet":2487,"published_on":4002},329,"https:\u002F\u002Fdandenong.starcommunity.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-02-19\u002Fnoble-park-tobacco-shop-rammed\u002F",{"id":4023,"occurred_on":4024,"incident_type":89,"title":4025,"summary":4026,"lat":4027,"lng":4028,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4029,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4030},637,"2025-02-20","Tobacco storage shed ram-raided in Toronto town centre","An early-morning ram raid targeted a tobacco storage shed on The Boulevarde in Toronto, with police and forensics remaining at the scene over tobacco products worth thousands of dollars. A vehicle was used in the raid.",-33.013325,151.59308,"Toronto",[4031,4034],{"id":4032,"url":4033,"outlet":173,"published_on":16},818,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.newcastleherald.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8897288\u002Fram-raid-theft-at-toronto-tobacco-storage-on-the-the-boulevarde\u002F",{"id":4035,"url":4036,"outlet":173,"published_on":16},819,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.newcastleherald.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Flocal\u002Fx9eq6yo\u002Ftoronto-tobacconist-ram-raided-newcastle-herald-february-20-2025\u002F",{"id":4038,"occurred_on":4039,"incident_type":8,"title":4040,"summary":4041,"lat":844,"lng":845,"location_precision":13,"suburb":846,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4042},631,"2025-02-21","Accused faces court over alleged Craigieburn tobacco-related store arson","A person accused over an alleged arson at a Craigieburn-area convenience store linked in coverage to tobacco-related offending faced court. Full article text was unavailable; details taken from the headline only.",[4043],{"id":4044,"url":4045,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},809,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fleader\u002Fnorth\u002Feppings-brandon-hart-accused-of-royal-convenience-store-arson\u002Fnews-story\u002Fd790b374f89185397db753f1a0fb0c00",{"id":3771,"occurred_on":4039,"incident_type":256,"title":4047,"summary":4048,"lat":4049,"lng":4050,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2645,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4051},"Mount Gambier tobacconist targeted in arson attempt","Police allege three suspects arrived in a white sedan and tried to set fire to the front of a Mount Gambier tobacconist; a witness extinguished the blaze. Detectives were investigating a possible link to Operation Eclipse and the metropolitan illicit tobacco network.",-37.8284,140.7828,[4052,4053,4054],{"id":4009,"url":4010,"outlet":118,"published_on":4011},{"id":2649,"url":2650,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":4055,"url":4056,"outlet":4057,"published_on":16},817,"https:\u002F\u002Fsevoice.com.au\u002Ftobacco-haul-seized\u002F","The SE Voice",{"id":3803,"occurred_on":4039,"incident_type":256,"title":4059,"summary":4060,"lat":4061,"lng":4062,"location_precision":547,"suburb":4063,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4064},"Hectorville business set alight on Glynburn Road","Police and the Metropolitan Fire Service responded to a fire just after 5:30am at a business on Glynburn Road, Hectorville, with minor damage to the shopfront; investigators were probing a possible link to Operation Eclipse's illicit tobacco investigation.",-34.8912,138.6633,"Hectorville",[4065,4066],{"id":4009,"url":4010,"outlet":118,"published_on":4011},{"id":4067,"url":4068,"outlet":4069,"published_on":16},744,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.adelaidenow.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fsouth-australia\u002Fhectorville-tobacco-shop-firebombed\u002Fnews-story\u002Fabcfde555957d2708da163754d1db344","The Advertiser",{"id":3777,"occurred_on":4071,"incident_type":42,"title":4072,"summary":4073,"lat":4074,"lng":4075,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4076,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4077},"2025-02-24","Largest illicit tobacco seizure to date across metro and regional SA","Across 14 premises - including commercial storage facilities at Burton and Parafield Gardens, plus vehicle stops at Port Wakefield, Salisbury and Whyalla - police seized $2.38 million in illicit tobacco and $391,000 cash, including four shipping containers of contraband, described by police as the largest single tobacco seizure in SA to date.",-34.7735,138.6144,"Parafield Gardens",[4078,4081],{"id":4079,"url":4080,"outlet":3584,"published_on":4011},330,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationaltribune.com.au\u002Foperation-eclipse-searches-leads-to-biggest-find-yet\u002F",{"id":4082,"url":4083,"outlet":118,"published_on":4011},331,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Foperation-eclipse-searches-leads-to-biggest-1418099\u002F",{"id":3780,"occurred_on":4085,"incident_type":27,"title":4086,"summary":4087,"lat":4088,"lng":4089,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4090,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4091},"2025-02-25","Braybrook tobacco store extortion","Police allege men entered a Braybrook tobacco store demanding the owner sell for $70,000 while invoking a network name, then two days later allege a follow-up call threatened the shop would be burned down if he did not comply.",-37.7833,144.85,"Braybrook",[4092],{"id":4093,"url":4094,"outlet":118,"published_on":4095},332,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ftwo-charged-in-braybrook-tobacco-store-extortion-1449271\u002F","2025-04-24",{"id":3783,"occurred_on":4097,"incident_type":89,"title":4098,"summary":4099,"lat":1655,"lng":1656,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1657,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4100},"2025-03-01","Car rammed into Brisbane store in attempted arson","Police allege a car allegedly filled with fuel cans was rammed into a store neighbouring a Browns Plains tobacconist, with the driver then attempting to set it alight.",[4101],{"id":4102,"url":4103,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},333,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-06-07\u002Ftobacco-insurance-cover-arson-attacks\u002F105384920",{"id":4105,"occurred_on":4106,"incident_type":42,"title":4107,"summary":4108,"lat":4109,"lng":4110,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4111,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4112},554,"2025-03-06","16 tonnes of illicit tobacco seized in Merrigum crop raid","The Australian Taxation Office, with Victoria Police's VIPER Taskforce and the Australian Border Force, executed two search warrants at a property at Merrigum in Victoria's north and seized more than 16 tonnes of illicit tobacco with an estimated excise value of nearly $35 million. The two crops covered more than five hectares. The illicit tobacco was destroyed. Authorities allege the crop was tied to organised-crime illicit tobacco supply.",-36.372284,145.13196,"Merrigum",[4113,4116],{"id":4114,"url":4115,"outlet":1449,"published_on":16},591,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bendigoadvertiser.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8915958\u002Fmore-than-16-tonnes-of-illicit-tobacco-seized-in-victorias-north\u002F",{"id":4117,"url":4118,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},721,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-03-13\u002Fmerrigum-illegal-tobacco-crops-destroyed\u002F105045636",{"id":3786,"occurred_on":4120,"incident_type":89,"title":4121,"summary":4122,"lat":4123,"lng":4124,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4125,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":17,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4126},"2025-03-07","Heyfield IGA ram-raided, cigarettes stolen","A white utility reversed into the Heyfield IGA supermarket on a Friday morning in a ram-raid; police said the offender stole cigarettes from the store before fleeing in the vehicle. No arrests had been reported at the time of the appeal.",-37.9667,146.7833,"Heyfield",[4127],{"id":4128,"url":4129,"outlet":4130,"published_on":4120},334,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gippslandtimes.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025\u002F03\u002F07\u002Fpolice-investigating-heyfield-iga-ram-raid\u002F","Gippsland Times",{"id":3792,"occurred_on":4120,"incident_type":42,"title":4132,"summary":4133,"lat":4134,"lng":4135,"location_precision":547,"suburb":4136,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4137},"Victorian man arrested with $30,000 cash at Semaphore business","During a wave of raids on 27 premises across metropolitan and regional SA (7 to 11 March), detectives attended a business on Semaphore Road, Semaphore, and arrested a Victorian man found with $30,000 cash, charging him with unlawful possession linked to the illicit tobacco trade.",-34.8422,138.4886,"Semaphore",[4138],{"id":4139,"url":4140,"outlet":118,"published_on":4141},335,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Farrest-and-more-operation-eclipse-seizures-1425826\u002F","2025-03-14",{"id":4143,"occurred_on":4144,"incident_type":42,"title":4145,"summary":4146,"lat":496,"lng":497,"location_precision":13,"suburb":498,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4147},643,"2025-03-15","Operation Appaloosa seizes over $20m illicit tobacco and vapes; Gympie region central","Queensland authorities reported Australia’s largest health-led illicit tobacco and vape haul from raids on more than 30 locations from Central Queensland to Brisbane, with Gympie and Wide Bay central, seizing product estimated at over $20 million.",[4148],{"id":4149,"url":4150,"outlet":4151,"published_on":16},829,"https:\u002F\u002Fnoosatoday.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F09-05-2025\u002Fgympie-centre-of-biggest-ever-tobacco-raids\u002F","Noosa Today",{"id":4153,"occurred_on":4154,"incident_type":67,"title":4155,"summary":4156,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4157},636,"2025-03-16","Eight charged after Taskforce Lunar raids over alleged tobacco-store extortion","Police charged eight people with extortion after early-morning raids on homes and storage in Melbourne's north, alleging threats that tobacco stores would be burned unless payments were made. Firearms, explosives and tobacco were reportedly seized.",[4158],{"id":4159,"url":4160,"outlet":621,"published_on":16},815,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fmelbourne-news-police-charge-eight-people-with-extortion-over-tobacco-wars-20250317-p5zc2p.html",{"id":3789,"occurred_on":4162,"incident_type":42,"title":4163,"summary":4164,"lat":763,"lng":4165,"location_precision":13,"suburb":765,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4166},"2025-03-17","Twelve arrested in raids on alleged tobacco store extortion network","Detectives executed 14 search warrants across Melbourne's north and north-west, including addresses in Broadmeadows, Epping and Lalor and storage facilities in Roxburgh Park, over an alleged network that told tobacco store owners to pay monthly fees via a messaging number or have their stores burned down. Twelve people were arrested and police seized four firearms, explosives, three vehicles, loose-leaf tobacco, about 6,000 vapes, handwritten extortion notes, knives, GPS trackers and cash. The allegations are yet to be tested in court.",144.919,[4167],{"id":4168,"url":4169,"outlet":118,"published_on":4162},336,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002F12-arrested-in-tobacco-store-extortion-case-1426702\u002F",{"id":3799,"occurred_on":4171,"incident_type":67,"title":4172,"summary":4173,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4174},"2025-03-20","Police arrest 19 suspected network members in tobacco war crackdown","A specialist taskforce arrested 12 suspected members of an organised crime network one week and a further seven suspected associates the following week, charging them with extortion offences linked to the illicit tobacco trade.",[4175],{"id":2006,"url":2007,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":3795,"occurred_on":4171,"incident_type":67,"title":4177,"summary":4178,"lat":1901,"lng":4179,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4180,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4181},"Five charged over alleged tobacco-linked extortion and arson","An illicit-tobacco taskforce charged five men over alleged extortion and arson, with police alleging a victim was told he had inherited a debt that grew from $50,000 to $100,000 through extortion calls, followed by the arson of his vehicle captured on CCTV. The accused, from South Morang, Wollert, Fraser Rise and Thomastown, faced charges including extortion, criminal damage by fire and weapons offences. The allegations are yet to be tested in court.",145.09,"South Morang",[4182],{"id":4183,"url":4184,"outlet":118,"published_on":4185},337,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ffive-charged-by-lunar-after-extortion-and-arson-1433770\u002F","2025-03-27",{"id":4187,"occurred_on":4188,"incident_type":89,"title":4189,"summary":4190,"lat":4191,"lng":4192,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4193,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4194},630,"2025-03-24","Tobacco stolen in Caloundra service station ram-raid","Thieves rammed a Caloundra service station and stole tobacco products, according to coverage of the incident. Full article text was blocked; suburb and type taken from the headline.",-26.798166,153.13448,"Caloundra",[4195],{"id":4196,"url":4197,"outlet":4198,"published_on":16},808,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.couriermail.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-qld\u002Ftobacco-products-stolen-as-thieves-ram-into-caloundra-service-station\u002Fnews-story\u002Fd828a42e8a0ccc32adce4594af64ef60","The Courier Mail",{"id":3839,"occurred_on":4200,"incident_type":67,"title":4201,"summary":4202,"lat":4203,"lng":1717,"location_precision":13,"suburb":354,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4204},"2025-03-25","Three arrested over alleged arsons on tobacco store and businesses","An illicit-tobacco taskforce arrested three young men over alleged arson attacks including a Fawkner tobacco store and a bicycle shop and gymnasium in Brunswick East, with search warrants executed in Werribee and Point Cook. A stolen electric bike and stolen cards were seized, and charges included multiple counts of criminal damage by fire plus a separate extortion charge over threats to a tobacco store in Melbourne's inner west. The allegations are yet to be tested in court.",-37.69,[4205],{"id":4206,"url":4207,"outlet":118,"published_on":4200},338,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fthree-arrested-by-lunar-after-arsons-and-1431908\u002F",{"id":3842,"occurred_on":4200,"incident_type":89,"title":4209,"summary":4210,"lat":4211,"lng":4212,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4213,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4214},"Ringwood North cigarette store ram raid","Police allege offenders drove a grey Kia Seltos SUV into the security shutter of a cigarette store in a Warrandyte Road shopping complex, Ringwood North and stole cigarettes worth over $1,000 before the getaway car crashed on EastLink.",-37.7967,145.2367,"Ringwood North",[4215],{"id":4216,"url":4217,"outlet":118,"published_on":4218},339,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-investigate-cigarette-burglary-in-1435271\u002F","2025-03-30",{"id":3865,"occurred_on":1897,"incident_type":42,"title":4220,"summary":4221,"lat":4222,"lng":4223,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1887,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4224},"Strike Force Sheringham raids target organised-crime tobacco theft network","NSW Police's Strike Force Sheringham, investigating an organised crime network accused of violently targeting tobacconists and storage facilities to steal illicit tobacco across Sydney's south-west, executed ten property raids across Casula, Girraween, Guildford, Five Dock, Granville, Ramsgate Beach and Merrylands. About one tonne of cigarettes and 400kg of loose tobacco were seized and seven men were charged.",-33.9414,150.8886,[4225,4226],{"id":3473,"url":3474,"outlet":3475,"published_on":16},{"id":3688,"url":3689,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":3869,"occurred_on":4185,"incident_type":209,"title":4228,"summary":4229,"lat":4230,"lng":4231,"location_precision":547,"suburb":4232,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4233},"Tobacco store ram-raided and set alight at Epsom shopping village","Offenders allegedly tried to crash a vehicle through the front of a tobacconist at Epsom Village about 3:30am but were blocked by bollards, then set fire to the shopfront and fled. The store was badly damaged and neighbouring shops briefly closed. Police treated it as suspicious and linked it to the illicit-tobacco conflict; a damaged vehicle was found about 500m away.",-36.687,144.32,"Epsom",[4234,4237],{"id":4235,"url":4236,"outlet":1449,"published_on":4185},340,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bendigoadvertiser.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8927317\u002Fepsom-shops-closed-police-scour-scene-after-tobacco-store-fire\u002F",{"id":4238,"url":4239,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},723,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fleader\u002Fbendigo\u002Farsonists-firebomb-epsom-tobacconist-in-village-epsom-shopping-centre-ram-raid\u002Fnews-story\u002Fa38772ac14459fb4ac408e2d34f7f618",{"id":4241,"occurred_on":4185,"incident_type":42,"title":4242,"summary":4243,"lat":4244,"lng":4245,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4246,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4247},540,"Guildford West raid seizes cash, cigarettes and vapes linked to organised crime","AFP officers executed a search warrant at a premises in Guildford West in Sydney's west, seizing about $150,000 cash, roughly 8,260 cigarette packets, 40kg of loose-leaf tobacco and thousands of illicit vapes, including a further stash found in a truck at the scene. A man was charged with tobacco and proceeds-of-crime offences. Police alleged the illicit tobacco trade helps fund organised crime networks.",-33.84857,150.96527,"Guildford West",[4248],{"id":4249,"url":4250,"outlet":1221,"published_on":16},577,"https:\u002F\u002Fafp.gov.au\u002Fnews-centre\u002Fmedia-release\u002Fman-charged-following-discovery-vapes-cash-and-illicit-tobacco-sydney",{"id":3880,"occurred_on":4252,"incident_type":42,"title":4253,"summary":4254,"lat":4255,"lng":4256,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4257,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4258},"2025-03-28","AFP seizes $2.6 million cash and tobacco linked to Perth store network, Operation Snug","The AFP charged a Baldivis man after seizing $2.6 million in cash (including $900,000 hidden in microwave oven packaging), 645,000 cigarettes, 19,000 vaping devices and 200 pouches of loose tobacco across Perth. Police allege he coordinated trafficking of illicit tobacco from the eastern states through three Perth tobacco stores and sent profits to an organised crime group.",-32.3364,115.8253,"Baldivis",[4259,4262,4265],{"id":4260,"url":4261,"outlet":1221,"published_on":4252},341,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.afp.gov.au\u002Fnews-centre\u002Fmedia-release\u002Fwa-man-charged-over-26-million-cash-and-tobacco-seizure",{"id":4263,"url":4264,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},724,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fwestern-australia\u002Fcash-allegedly-found-stashed-in-microwaves-as-part-of-major-organised-crime-investigation\u002Fnews-story\u002F38de78882c59c26ea3e0960aa430fa06",{"id":4266,"url":4267,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},725,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fcharge-upgraded-for-wa-man-in-1-69m-trafficking-1457126\u002F",{"id":3896,"occurred_on":4269,"incident_type":42,"title":4270,"summary":4271,"lat":4272,"lng":4273,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4274,"state":4275,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4276},"2025-04-01","$1.5 million illicit tobacco and vape seizure across Tasmania","Tasmania's Department of Health and Tasmania Police conducted a joint operation seizing an estimated $1.5 million of illicit tobacco and vaping products statewide, including more than 23,000 cigarette packets, close to 5,000 vapes and 112kg of loose tobacco.",-42.8821,147.3272,"Hobart","TAS",[4277,4280],{"id":4278,"url":4279,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},342,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ftasmania-seizes-1-5m-in-illicit-tobacco-vapes-1436239\u002F",{"id":4281,"url":4282,"outlet":4283,"published_on":16},726,"https:\u002F\u002Fpulsetasmania.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F23000-cigarette-packets-5000-vapes-seized-by-tasmanian-health-authorities\u002F","Pulse Tasmania",{"id":3900,"occurred_on":4269,"incident_type":67,"title":4285,"summary":4286,"lat":2809,"lng":2810,"location_precision":13,"suburb":700,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4287},"Arrests over 2023 South Yarra shooting tied to tobacco war","Around April 2025, arrests\u002Fcharges were reported over a 2023 shooting in a South Yarra street that a year-in-review report tied to the illicit-tobacco\u002Funderworld conflict. Those charged are alleged offenders only.",[4288,4291],{"id":4289,"url":4290,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},343,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fman-arrested-for-2023-south-yarra-death-of-1439027\u002F",{"id":710,"url":711,"outlet":712,"published_on":713},{"id":3910,"occurred_on":4293,"incident_type":42,"title":4294,"summary":4295,"lat":4296,"lng":4297,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4298,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4299},"2025-04-02","SA raids on Mid North and Eyre Peninsula tobacco premises","Police raided premises at Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Lincoln, seizing $1.5 million worth of illegal tobacco and $444,000 in cash as part of Operation Eclipse.",-32.490772,137.7635,"Port Augusta",[4300,4303,4306],{"id":4301,"url":4302,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},344,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-05-12\u002Fsa-police-seize-cigarettes-tobacco-cash\u002F105282606",{"id":4304,"url":4305,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},727,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-04-10\u002Fillegal-tobacco-seized-by-sa-police-mid-north-eyre-peninsula\u002F105161600",{"id":4307,"url":4308,"outlet":4309,"published_on":16},728,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.adelaidenow.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-sa\u002Fpolice-seize-2m-in-illegal-tobacco-and-cash-in-raids-across-port-pirie-port-augusta-whyalla-and-port-lincoln\u002Fnews-story\u002Ffc20fe90e240a5a31bce043df2f72993","Adelaide Now",{"id":3915,"occurred_on":4311,"incident_type":42,"title":4312,"summary":4313,"lat":4314,"lng":1717,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4315,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4316},"2025-04-07","Victoria Police raid 12 tobacco businesses across Melbourne metro, 14 arrested","Over 7-11 April 2025 investigators raided 12 businesses across Altona Meadows, Truganina, Craigieburn, Broadmeadows, Tullamarine, Mill Park, Bundoora, Weir Views, Watsonia, Altona North, Prahran and Hawthorn, seizing about 700,000 cigarettes, 15,000 vapes and 300kg loose-leaf tobacco (near $5 million value). Fourteen people were arrested and interviewed; supported by the ATO and TGA.",-37.81,"Melbourne (metro-wide)",[4317,4321,4324],{"id":4318,"url":4319,"outlet":490,"published_on":4320},345,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8942794\u002Ftobacco-shops-raided-as-police-hit-warring-crime-gangs\u002F","2025-04-15",{"id":4322,"url":4323,"outlet":515,"published_on":16},729,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.accountantsdaily.com.au\u002Fregulation\u002F21191-ato-viper-taskforce-arrests-14-people-in-latest-illicit-tobacco-blitz",{"id":4325,"url":4326,"outlet":1896,"published_on":16},730,"https:\u002F\u002Faapnews.aap.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Ftobacco-shops-raided-as-police-hit-warring-crime-gangs",{"id":3939,"occurred_on":4328,"incident_type":349,"title":4329,"summary":4330,"lat":3422,"lng":3423,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3424,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4331},"2025-04-11","Daylight shooting on Pearson Street, Coolaroo","Police allege two shooters in a vehicle opened fire on a man on Pearson Street, Coolaroo, about 4.10pm, hitting him twice; he drove himself to hospital in a stable condition. Police believe he was the prime target and that the shooting is linked to the illicit tobacco conflict.",[4332,4335,4338],{"id":4333,"url":4334,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},346,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Fman-hospitalised-after-wild-daylight-shooting-ambush-in-coolaroo\u002Fnews-story\u002F4aafcf304f0b745e0d5b652c53f583be",{"id":4336,"url":4337,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},745,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-04-12\u002Fcoolaroo-shooting-crime-melbourne\u002F105169352",{"id":4339,"url":4340,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},746,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Farmed-crime-squad-seeks-leads-in-coolaroo-1452533\u002F",{"id":3963,"occurred_on":4328,"incident_type":42,"title":4342,"summary":4343,"lat":1700,"lng":1701,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1702,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4344},"Tobacco shops raided across Melbourne's north in organised-crime crackdown","Over several days in April, police raided about a dozen tobacco businesses allegedly connected to organised-crime networks behind Victoria's illicit-tobacco conflict, including outlets in Mill Park, Bundoora, Broadmeadows and Craigieburn. Officers seized roughly 700,000 cigarettes, about 15,000 vapes and around 300 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, with an estimated value near $5 million, and made 14 arrests. The allegations are yet to be tested in court.",[4345,4346],{"id":4318,"url":4319,"outlet":490,"published_on":4320},{"id":4347,"url":4348,"outlet":4349,"published_on":16},747,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thecourier.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8942794\u002Ftobacco-shops-raided-as-police-hit-warring-crime-gangs\u002F","The Courier",{"id":4351,"occurred_on":4352,"incident_type":89,"title":4353,"summary":4354,"lat":4355,"lng":4356,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4357,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4358},644,"2025-04-14","Rockhampton tobacconist ram-raided","A Rockhampton tobacconist was forced to close after a vehicle was driven into the front of the store in a ram-raid on 14 April 2025.",-23.378939,150.51236,"Rockhampton",[4359],{"id":4360,"url":4361,"outlet":4362,"published_on":16},830,"https:\u002F\u002Fcqtoday.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025\u002F04\u002F14\u002Framraid-at-tobacconist\u002F","Central Queensland Today",{"id":3971,"occurred_on":4364,"incident_type":42,"title":4365,"summary":4366,"lat":4367,"lng":3556,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3513,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4368},"2025-04-16","Raids on five properties seize $14.7M in illicit tobacco","An illicit-tobacco taskforce executed five warrants across Melbourne's north-west as part of an investigation into the coordination of extortions and arsons, seizing about $14.7M in illicit product: over 5.2 million cigarettes, more than four tonnes of loose-leaf tobacco, thousands of vapes and a signal jammer. Properties searched included a shop in Pascoe Vale, a storage facility in Williamstown, two homes in Laverton and a factory in Keilor Park.",-37.73,[4369,4373],{"id":4370,"url":4371,"outlet":118,"published_on":4372},347,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Flunar-raids-net-14-7m-in-illegal-tobacco-bust-1446211\u002F","2025-04-17",{"id":4374,"url":4375,"outlet":329,"published_on":16},748,"http:\u002F\u002Fweb.archive.org\u002Fweb\u002F20250417060628\u002Fhttps:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.vic.gov.au\u002Flunar-raid-five-properties-seize-147m-worth-illicit-tobacco",{"id":4000,"occurred_on":4377,"incident_type":256,"title":4378,"summary":4379,"lat":4380,"lng":4381,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1176,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4382},"2025-04-22","Tullamarine tobacco store firebombed (first attack)","Police observed flames at a tobacco store on Melrose Drive, Tullamarine; the building sustained significant damage in what was later linked to a second attack on the same store.",-37.6981,144.8358,[4383,4387],{"id":4384,"url":4385,"outlet":118,"published_on":4386},348,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fsecond-arson-attack-hits-tullamarine-tobacco-1452029\u002F","2025-04-30",{"id":4388,"url":4389,"outlet":3584,"published_on":16},749,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationaltribune.com.au\u002Farson-investigate-second-arson-attack-at-tullamarine-tobacco-store\u002F",{"id":4009,"occurred_on":4095,"incident_type":67,"title":4391,"summary":4392,"lat":4393,"lng":4394,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4090,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4395},"Two charged over alleged extortion of Braybrook tobacco store","An illicit-tobacco taskforce charged men over the alleged extortion of a Braybrook tobacco store, where men allegedly entered in February demanding the owner sell the store for $70,000 and later threatened by phone to burn it down. Arrests were made in Port Melbourne and Broadmeadows, with each accused charged with extortion with threat to destroy or endanger property. The allegations are yet to be tested in court.",-37.78,144.86,[4396,4397],{"id":4093,"url":4094,"outlet":118,"published_on":4095},{"id":4398,"url":4399,"outlet":3953,"published_on":16},750,"https:\u002F\u002Fbrimbanknorthwest.starweekly.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fbraybrook-extortion-arrests\u002F",{"id":4020,"occurred_on":4401,"incident_type":42,"title":4402,"summary":4403,"lat":4404,"lng":4405,"location_precision":547,"suburb":4298,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4406},"2025-04-25","Port Augusta truck stop yields $1.74m in illicit vapes","Police stopped a refrigerated truck at a known drug transit route in Port Augusta, seizing $1.74 million in illicit vapes, loose tobacco and cash. Two men and both from NSW, were arrested and charged with unlawful possession and possessing tobacco products for sale.",-32.4923,137.7642,[4407,4408],{"id":2880,"url":2881,"outlet":2882,"published_on":2883},{"id":4409,"url":4410,"outlet":2223,"published_on":4411},349,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.c-store.com.au\u002Fpolice-seize-1-7-million-in-illegal-vapes-and-tobacco-in-sa\u002F","2025-05-06",{"id":4079,"occurred_on":4413,"incident_type":8,"title":4414,"summary":4415,"lat":3046,"lng":3047,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3048,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4416},"2025-04-28","Three women fined over illegal tobacco sales at Warrnambool stores","Three women pleaded guilty at Warrnambool Magistrates' Court to negligently possessing proceeds of crime over the two Warrnambool tobacconists raided on 16 October 2024. Ledgers showed the stores took $526,004 cash over 37 trading days. The magistrate refused diversion and imposed fines without conviction, noting the seriousness of the illegal tobacco trade.",[4417],{"id":4418,"url":4419,"outlet":134,"published_on":4413},350,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.standard.net.au\u002Fstory\u002F8952736\u002Fthree-women-face-court-over-illegal-tobacco-sales\u002F",{"id":4082,"occurred_on":4386,"incident_type":209,"title":4421,"summary":4422,"lat":4380,"lng":4381,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1176,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4423},"Tullamarine tobacco store rammed and firebombed again","Police allege a vehicle impacted the roller door of the same Melrose Drive, Tullamarine tobacco store hit eight days earlier, before an accelerant was poured in and ignited.",[4424,4425],{"id":4384,"url":4385,"outlet":118,"published_on":4386},{"id":4426,"url":4427,"outlet":4428,"published_on":16},751,"https:\u002F\u002Fdindi.com.au\u002Fwp\u002F2025\u002F05\u002F01\u002Fhume-arson-at-tullamarine-smoke-shop\u002F","The Local Paper",{"id":4102,"occurred_on":4430,"incident_type":256,"title":4431,"summary":4432,"lat":4433,"lng":4434,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4435,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4436},"2025-05-03","Auburn tobacconist deliberately set alight","Police allege a tobacconist on Mary Street, Auburn was deliberately set on fire about 4am, causing significant damage; no injuries were reported. State Crime Command's Financial Crime Squad established Strike Force Clydesdale, and following a public appeal a teenager was arrested and charged over the alleged arson. The attack occurred amid an escalating conflict linked to the illicit tobacco trade across Sydney's west.",-33.849,151.033,"Auburn",[4437,4441],{"id":4438,"url":4439,"outlet":2605,"published_on":4440},351,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fman-charged-with-arson-of-auburn-tobacconist-1466221\u002F","2025-05-25",{"id":4442,"url":4443,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},352,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=nOjPC7HZi8Y",{"id":4128,"occurred_on":4411,"incident_type":42,"title":4445,"summary":4446,"lat":4447,"lng":4448,"location_precision":547,"suburb":4449,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4450},"SA police seize millions in cash and tobacco in Whyalla and Salisbury raids","Police stopped a vehicle on the Lincoln Highway at Whyalla and located a large quantity of illicit tobacco, leading detectives to an industrial premises at Salisbury allegedly used as a statewide distribution warehouse. More than seven million cigarettes and 3.9 tonnes of loose tobacco worth over $7 million were seized, along with $22 million in assets including $9 million cash. A Whyalla man and a Para Hills man were arrested and charged with possession of tobacco products for sale.",-33.033817,137.58617,"Whyalla",[4451,4452],{"id":4301,"url":4302,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":4453,"url":4454,"outlet":118,"published_on":4455},353,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Foperation-eclipse-nets-record-haul-1458277\u002F","2025-05-12",{"id":4139,"occurred_on":4440,"incident_type":349,"title":4457,"summary":4458,"lat":4459,"lng":4460,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4461,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":17,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4462},"Drive-by shooting on Woodville Road, Granville, allegedly tied to tobacco-network feud","A utility vehicle carrying four men was fired on by occupants of a Mercedes as it turned onto Woodville Road, Granville; a occupant later died and a passenger was wounded. The getaway Mercedes was found burnt out on a nearby street a short time later. NSW Police's Criminal Groups Squad investigated under Strike Force Arrino (later overseen by Taskforce Falcon), and a man was charged with murder. Some reporting alleges one of the surviving passengers - who had been charged weeks earlier over an illicit-tobacco network takedown - was the intended target, framing the shooting as part of the broader feud between rival networks over the illicit tobacco trade; however, NSW Police's own public statements on the shooting did not themselves state a tobacco-related motive, so this link is treated here as lower-confidence.",-33.833,151.0087,"Granville",[4463,4464,4468],{"id":1890,"url":1891,"outlet":1892,"published_on":16},{"id":4465,"url":4466,"outlet":118,"published_on":4467},354,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fcriminal-groups-update-granville-shooting-1466379\u002F","2025-05-26",{"id":4469,"url":4470,"outlet":118,"published_on":4471},355,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fsecond-man-charged-in-granville-murder-of-1521246\u002F","2025-08-26",{"id":4473,"occurred_on":4474,"incident_type":8,"title":4475,"summary":4476,"lat":4477,"lng":4478,"location_precision":13,"suburb":653,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4479},646,"2025-05-28","Person jailed over extortion threats to Wodonga and Wangaratta tobacco stores","A person was sentenced in Wodonga Magistrates Court to jail after pleading guilty to extortion and related charges for allegedly threatening to burn tobacco stores in Wodonga and Wangaratta if they stayed open.",-36.12059,146.88806,[4480],{"id":4481,"url":4482,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},833,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-05-28\u002Fal-essawi-tobacco-extortion-wangaratta-wodonga-arson-threats\u002F105322030",{"id":4484,"occurred_on":4485,"incident_type":42,"title":4486,"summary":4487,"lat":4488,"lng":4489,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4490,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4491},641,"2025-05-29","Camden and Tahmoor tobacconists raided; two charged over illicit tobacco and vapes","Police and NSW Health raided tobacconists in Camden and Tahmoor, seizing large quantities of cigarettes, loose tobacco and vapes. Two people were charged with proceeds-of-crime and vaping-goods offences, with a further arrest after a follow-up visit in Camden.",-34.054596,150.69588,"Camden",[4492],{"id":4493,"url":4494,"outlet":4495,"published_on":16},827,"https:\u002F\u002Fsouthwestvoice.com.au\u002Fcamden-tahmoor-tobacconists-raided\u002F","South West Voice",{"id":4168,"occurred_on":4497,"incident_type":209,"title":4498,"summary":4499,"lat":4500,"lng":4501,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1657,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4502},"2025-05-30","Tobacconist firebombed in Browns Plains, two men badly burned","Around 12:15am, two unknown males allegedly forced entry into a tobacco shop, poured an accelerant inside and set it alight. Two men reportedly staying inside as security suffered severe burns and were hospitalised, and the fire spread to an adjoining store. Police described recent threats against the business and a prior vehicle ramming. Investigated under the state Taskforce Masher targeting tobacco-related extortion and violence.",-27.665,153.038,[4503,4504,4509,4510,4511,4514,4517],{"id":389,"url":390,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":4505,"url":4506,"outlet":4507,"published_on":4508},356,"https:\u002F\u002Fmycitylogan.com.au\u002Ftobacconist-firebombing-injures-two-and-destroys-businesses\u002F","MyCity Logan","2025-06-02",{"id":345,"url":346,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":4102,"url":4103,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":4512,"url":4513,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},358,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-05-30\u002Fpolice-investigate-logan-tobacco-store-fire\u002F105359214",{"id":4515,"url":4516,"outlet":1029,"published_on":16},598,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025\u002F05\u002F30\u002Fsuspicious-fire-browns-plains\u002F",{"id":4518,"url":4519,"outlet":4520,"published_on":4485},357,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hottomato.com.au\u002Fgold-coast\u002Flogan-tobacco-store-gutted-by-fire\u002F","Hot Tomato",{"id":4183,"occurred_on":3759,"incident_type":256,"title":4522,"summary":4523,"lat":4524,"lng":4525,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4526,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4527},"Repeated arson attacks on Mount Pritchard tobacconist uncover alleged illicit operation","A tobacconist at Mount Pritchard was targeted in a series of alleged arson attacks over several months in 2025. Detectives investigating under a dedicated strike force allege they identified a large-scale illicit tobacco enterprise operating from the premises. A later search warrant seized a large quantity of illicit tobacco, and a man was charged with participating in a criminal group and dealing with proceeds of crime.",-33.902,150.895,"Mount Pritchard",[4528],{"id":4529,"url":4530,"outlet":2605,"published_on":4531},359,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Farson-detectives-charge-man-in-tobacco-crime-1669764\u002F","2026-05-08",{"id":4206,"occurred_on":3759,"incident_type":42,"title":4533,"summary":4534,"lat":4535,"lng":4536,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2760,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4537},"Police search Dandenong home in fatal firebombing investigation","Investigators searched a home in Dandenong and seized several mobile phones for forensic analysis as part of the investigation into the fatal Truganina firebombing.",-37.988117,145.21445,[4538],{"id":3783,"url":3784,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":4540,"occurred_on":4508,"incident_type":67,"title":4541,"summary":4542,"lat":104,"lng":105,"location_precision":13,"suburb":32,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4543},645,"Seven arrested in Sydney over alleged major illegal tobacco and drugs network","A multi-agency taskforce arrested seven people in Sydney after a long-running investigation, allegedly uncovering a large illegal tobacco and drugs operation with millions of cigarettes and hundreds of kilograms of illicit drugs seized.",[4544],{"id":4545,"url":4546,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},831,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-06-03\u002Fmultiple-men-arrested-in-sydney-illegal-tobacco-bust\u002F105370162",{"id":4216,"occurred_on":4548,"incident_type":42,"title":4549,"summary":4550,"lat":1062,"lng":1063,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1064,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4551},"2025-06-05","ATO and police seize 20 tonnes of illicit tobacco crop near Shepparton (Operation Ocean)","Under Operation Ocean, the ATO with Victoria Police executed a warrant on a property north-east of Shepparton and seized\u002Fdestroyed over 20 tonnes of illicit tobacco from a mature ~6-acre crop, plus seedlings. Estimated excise value $4.4 million; the warrant followed a community tip-off. No arrests reported.",[4552,4555,4559],{"id":4553,"url":4554,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},360,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-06-10\u002Fshepparton-illicit-tobacco-operation-ocean-ato-victoria-police\u002F105397354",{"id":4556,"url":4557,"outlet":1010,"published_on":4558},362,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sheppnews.com.au\u002Fpolice-court\u002Fabout-4-4-million-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-seized-near-shepparton\u002F","2025-06-09",{"id":4560,"url":4561,"outlet":160,"published_on":3763},361,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.stockandland.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F8989030\u002Fillicit-4m-tobacco-bust-near-shepparton-by-ato-and-police\u002F",{"id":4235,"occurred_on":4563,"incident_type":27,"title":4564,"summary":4565,"lat":2689,"lng":2690,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4566,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4567},"2025-06-12","Bass Coast tobacco store extortion campaign","Police allege an offshore network leader directed threats against workers preparing to open a tobacco store in the Bass Coast area over several weeks in June-July, warning the store would be firebombed and the owner shot if it opened; a rival store owner on the same road was charged with extortion.","Bass Coast",[4568],{"id":4569,"url":4570,"outlet":118,"published_on":4571},363,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fman-charged-in-bass-coast-tobacco-store-1497169\u002F","2025-07-16",{"id":4260,"occurred_on":4573,"incident_type":209,"title":4574,"summary":4575,"lat":4576,"lng":4577,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4578,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4579},"2025-06-13","Tobacconist firebombed on Hampton Road, Tannum Sands","About 3am, two men allegedly smashed the front door of a tobacconist on Hampton Road, Tannum Sands, with a hammer; one deliberately started a fire inside before both fled on foot toward Garnet Road. Police said no other items were taken; the business sustained fire damage. CCTV images were released.",-23.949873,151.36844,"Tannum Sands",[4580,4583,4586,4589],{"id":4581,"url":4582,"outlet":1029,"published_on":4573},364,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025\u002F06\u002F13\u002Fsuspicious-fire-tannum-sands\u002F",{"id":4584,"url":4585,"outlet":4362,"published_on":16},752,"https:\u002F\u002Fcqtoday.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025\u002F06\u002F13\u002Fpolice-investigate-as-jewellery-store-robbed-and-tobacconist-firebombed\u002F",{"id":4587,"url":4588,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},753,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-treating-fire-as-suspicious-tannum-sands-1477563\u002F",{"id":4590,"url":4591,"outlet":1816,"published_on":16},832,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fqueensland-tobacco-store-torched-after-masked-men-smash-in-with-hammer-as-police-probe-links-to-mall-heist-c-19024838",{"id":4593,"occurred_on":4594,"incident_type":209,"title":4595,"summary":4596,"lat":889,"lng":890,"location_precision":13,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4597},642,"2025-06-16","Glenroy tobacco store firebombed; vehicles also torched","Police reportedly charged a person over an alleged firebombing of a tobacco store in Glenroy in which vehicles were also set alight.",[4598],{"id":4599,"url":4600,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},828,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fleader\u002Fnorth-west\u002Fmohammad-burma-fronts-court-over-tobacco-store-firebombing\u002Fnews-story\u002Faa4c4894a3273a50d36ab3b3717443b5",{"id":4602,"occurred_on":4603,"incident_type":67,"title":4604,"summary":4605,"lat":4606,"lng":4607,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4608,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4609},640,"2025-06-24","Person charged after police allegedly locked in during Cairns illicit-tobacco raid","A person was arrested and charged over allegedly trapping police and government officials inside a Cairns city shop during a raid on an alleged illicit tobacco outlet.",-16.92133,145.77678,"Cairns",[4610],{"id":4611,"url":4612,"outlet":4613,"published_on":16},826,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cairnspost.com.au\u002Fsubscribe\u002Fnews\u002F1\u002F?sourceCode=CPWEB_WRE170_a_GGN&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cairnspost.com.au%2Fnews%2Fcairns%2Fwilliam-wallace-lewis-arrested-on-deprivation-of-liberty-charges%2Fnews-story%2Fc697522bc07b4f819bd6b7d154458b42&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium","The Cairns Post",{"id":4615,"occurred_on":4616,"incident_type":8,"title":4617,"summary":4618,"lat":4619,"lng":4620,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4621,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4622},650,"2025-06-26","Father and son sentenced over Plympton illicit tobacco and contraband operation","A South Australian pair were sentenced after an ABF investigation found illicit tobacco and other contraband hidden at an Adelaide grocery\u002Ftakeaway in Plympton, a residence and a storage locker. Seizures included tens of kilograms of illicit tobacco and thousands of illicit cigarettes.",-34.96174,138.55469,"Plympton",[4623],{"id":4624,"url":4625,"outlet":4626,"published_on":16},840,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theaustraliatoday.com.au\u002Findian-grocery-store-owner-and-his-son-sentenced-after-kamini-opium-and-illegal-tobacco-bust-in-adelaide\u002F","The Australia Today",{"id":4278,"occurred_on":4628,"incident_type":67,"title":4629,"summary":4630,"lat":4631,"lng":909,"location_precision":13,"suburb":846,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4632},"2025-07-01","Charges over 2023 Craigieburn Central shooting tied to tobacco war","Around July 2025, several people were charged over a 2023 shooting at Craigieburn Central shopping centre that a year-in-review report linked to the illicit-tobacco\u002Funderworld conflict. All accused are alleged offenders only.",-37.593,[4633,4636],{"id":4634,"url":4635,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},365,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ffive-charged-with-murder-in-craigieburn-shooting-1506867\u002F",{"id":710,"url":711,"outlet":712,"published_on":713},{"id":4289,"occurred_on":4638,"incident_type":27,"title":4639,"summary":4640,"lat":4641,"lng":4642,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2350,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4643},"2025-07-10","Series of arson and firearm attacks on Perth illicit tobacco stores","WA Police reported 11 alleged incidents of arson, criminal damage and firearm attacks targeting illicit tobacco stores across Perth between 10 July and 11 August 2025. Police allege the violence was linked to a criminal illicit tobacco operation whose retail network ran through suburbs including Armadale, Byford, High Wycombe and Medina. A joint WA-Victoria police operation followed; investigators drew comparisons to Victoria-style 'tobacco wars'.",-32.146,116.014,[4644],{"id":4645,"url":4646,"outlet":4647,"published_on":4648},366,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wa.gov.au\u002Fgovernment\u002Fannouncements\u002Forganised-criminal-activity-investigation","WA Government \u002F WA Police media release","2025-11-19",{"id":4301,"occurred_on":4650,"incident_type":67,"title":4651,"summary":4652,"lat":4653,"lng":4654,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4566,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4655},"2025-07-15","Man charged over extortion threats to burn and shoot up unopened Bass Coast tobacco store","Police allege a man extorted the owner of a not-yet-opened tobacco store in the Bass Coast area on behalf of a rival network leader, visiting the site on three occasions in June and July to warn workers the store would be firebombed and its owner shot if it opened, then repeating the threats in an overseas WhatsApp call. Taskforce Lunar and the VIPER Taskforce executed search warrants, seizing about 6,500 illicit e-cigarettes, roughly 255,000 illicit cigarettes and about $15,000 cash. A man, who police allege also operates a tobacco store on the same road and pays extortion money to trade, was charged with extortion and illicit-tobacco offences. Police did not disclose the exact town within Bass Coast Shire.",-38.6039,145.5911,[4656,4657],{"id":4569,"url":4570,"outlet":118,"published_on":4571},{"id":4658,"url":4659,"outlet":1148,"published_on":4660},367,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sgst.com.au\u002Fpolice\u002Fextortion-threats-to-kill-in-local-tobacco-war","2025-07-17",{"id":4318,"occurred_on":4650,"incident_type":42,"title":4662,"summary":4663,"lat":104,"lng":105,"location_precision":13,"suburb":32,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4664},"Border seizure of 15.5 million cigarettes in NSW","Border officials intercepted a shipping container carrying about 15.5 million cigarettes that arrived in NSW from the United Arab Emirates, one of the largest single seizures during a record year for tobacco interceptions at Australian ports.",[4665],{"id":4666,"url":4667,"outlet":1363,"published_on":16},368,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theaustralian.com.au\u002Fnation\u002Fburning-billions-border-force-busts-smash-tobacco-gangs\u002Fnews-story\u002Ffc9010783540bb1da967e76e74de03e0",{"id":4333,"occurred_on":4669,"incident_type":27,"title":4670,"summary":4671,"lat":4672,"lng":4673,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2340,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4674},"2025-07-18","WA Police launch operation after 11 arson\u002Ffirearm attacks on Perth tobacco stores","Between 10 July and 11 August 2025, WA Police responded to eleven alleged incidents of arson, criminal damage and firearm attacks at illicit tobacco stores in Perth. WA Police launched a joint operation with Victoria Police, ultimately linking the violence to an alleged organised crime figure overseeing a retail network in Armadale, Byford, High Wycombe and Medina.",-31.9505,115.8605,[4675,4676],{"id":4645,"url":4646,"outlet":4647,"published_on":4648},{"id":4677,"url":4678,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},754,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Forganised-criminal-activity-investigation-1573337\u002F",{"id":4370,"occurred_on":4680,"incident_type":256,"title":4681,"summary":4682,"lat":4683,"lng":4684,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4685,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4686},"2025-07-27","Corrimal tobacconist firebombed, residents evacuated","About 7.10pm, emergency services responded to a fire at a tobacconist on Russell Street, Corrimal, near Wollongong; residents in units above the shop were evacuated as Fire and Rescue NSW contained the blaze to the shop. Police treated the fire as suspicious and launched an arson investigation amid local fears of an emerging tobacco turf war on the Illawarra\u002FSouth Coast.",-34.3833,150.9,"Corrimal",[4687,4692],{"id":4688,"url":4689,"outlet":4690,"published_on":4691},369,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.illawarramercury.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9026305\u002Ftobacconist-fire-in-corrimal-prompts-police-investigation\u002F","Illawarra Mercury","2025-07-28",{"id":4693,"url":4694,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},370,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-07-28\u002Fminister-sounds-alarm-concerning-suspicious-tobacconist-fire\u002F105580826",{"id":4384,"occurred_on":4696,"incident_type":67,"title":4697,"summary":4698,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4699},"2025-07-30","Counter-terror arrests over Ripponlea synagogue firebombing","Police allege they arrested a man and executed seven search warrants across Melbourne suburbs over the December synagogue arson, one of three people alleged to have set the fire. Police say the investigation extends offshore and is linked to an illicit-tobacco network.",[4700,4701],{"id":3549,"url":3550,"outlet":1363,"published_on":16},{"id":4702,"url":4703,"outlet":4690,"published_on":16},755,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.illawarramercury.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9028897\u002Fsynagogue-firebomb-suspects-from-home-and-away\u002F",{"id":4409,"occurred_on":4705,"incident_type":349,"title":4706,"summary":4707,"lat":4708,"lng":4709,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4710,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":6,"status":19,"sources":4711},"2025-07-31","Young man shot dead in daylight laneway ambush, Wollert","Police allege a man in his early 20s was shot dead in a deliberate, targeted daylight attack in a laneway. Other reporting links him to a tobacco kingpin's network and describes the killing as a suspected revenge hit connected to the illicit tobacco conflict; the initial police statement did not confirm a tobacco motive.",-37.59,145.035,"Wollert",[4712,4715],{"id":4713,"url":4714,"outlet":1267,"published_on":4705},371,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9029935\u002Fyoung-man-shot-and-killed-in-daytime-laneway-attack\u002F",{"id":4716,"url":4717,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},372,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Fman-shot-and-killed-in-wollert-melbourne\u002Fnews-story\u002Fe62a47668de9c1641df8b9d5925493ee",{"id":4418,"occurred_on":4705,"incident_type":349,"title":4719,"summary":4720,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":6,"status":19,"sources":4721},"Melbourne tobacco store employee shot dead in laneway","Police allege a man employed by an illicit tobacco operation was shot dead in a laneway behind his home in Melbourne in broad daylight, amid an escalating conflict between organised crime groups for control of the illicit tobacco trade.",[4722],{"id":4723,"url":4724,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},373,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-08-04\u002Fillegal-tobacco-is-a-deadly-10-billion-industry\u002F105607186",{"id":4438,"occurred_on":4726,"incident_type":256,"title":4727,"summary":4728,"lat":4729,"lng":4730,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4731,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4732},"2025-08-01","Suspicious fire at Fernvale tobacco store near Brisbane","Police investigated a suspicious fire at a tobacco store in Fernvale, west of Brisbane, as tobacco-linked arson attacks spread through Brisbane and the Gold Coast.",-27.455969,152.65335,"Fernvale",[4733,4736,4740],{"id":4734,"url":4735,"outlet":1363,"published_on":16},374,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theaustralian.com.au\u002Fbusiness\u002Feconomics\u002Ftipping-point-on-tax-only-hope-for-rethink-of-failed-tobacco-policy\u002Fnews-story\u002Fe28c2da4d288df152482fa315a15a126",{"id":4737,"url":4738,"outlet":4739,"published_on":16},756,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thechronicle.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fqueensland\u002Fgatton\u002Fpolice-courts\u002Fpolice-probe-suspicious-fire-at-fernvale-tobacco-shop\u002Fnews-story\u002F650b6b5dda453b1469f82e1300d92cff","The Chronicle",{"id":4741,"url":4742,"outlet":4743,"published_on":16},757,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.smh.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fqueensland\u002Fsuspicious-fire-rips-through-tobacco-store-west-of-brisbane-20250803-p5mjw4.html","The Sydney Morning Herald",{"id":4442,"occurred_on":4726,"incident_type":349,"title":4745,"summary":4746,"lat":4747,"lng":4748,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4749,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4750},"Shots fired at Cannington smoke shop","Police allege a Cannington smoke shop was shot at on repeat occasions in August 2025, part of a cluster of shootings and firebombings at Perth tobacco retailers described in state parliament as tobacco-wars-linked violence spreading from Victoria.",-32.0154,115.9328,"Cannington",[4751,4752,4756],{"id":3910,"url":3911,"outlet":3912,"published_on":3913},{"id":4753,"url":4754,"outlet":4755,"published_on":16},375,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ainvest.com\u002Fnews\u002Ftobacco-shops-targeted-perth-shootings-firebombing-concerns-victoria-style-tobacco-wars-2508\u002F","AInvest",{"id":4757,"url":4758,"outlet":2355,"published_on":16},376,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.yourlocalexaminer.com.au\u002Fshots-fired-at-cannington-business-in-two-linked-attacks\u002F",{"id":4453,"occurred_on":4726,"incident_type":27,"title":4760,"summary":4761,"lat":3905,"lng":3906,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3907,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4762},"Ballajura complex shot at and store burned in same month","Police allege a Ballajura retail complex was shot at, and a store there was separately set alight, during August 2025 - the third and fourth attacks recorded at the same suburb within eight months, per WA Parliament's account of escalating tobacco-linked violence.",[4763,4764],{"id":3910,"url":3911,"outlet":3912,"published_on":3913},{"id":4757,"url":4758,"outlet":2355,"published_on":16},{"id":4465,"occurred_on":4726,"incident_type":256,"title":4766,"summary":4767,"lat":4768,"lng":4769,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4770,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4771},"Huntingdale tobacco store burned (first attack)","Police allege a Huntingdale tobacco store (later reported as Ashtar WA) was destroyed by fire in August 2025 - the first of two arson attacks on the same store within six months, according to subsequent news coverage of the January 2026 follow-up attack.",-32.0728,115.9236,"Huntingdale",[4772,4777,4778],{"id":4773,"url":4774,"outlet":4775,"published_on":4776},377,"https:\u002F\u002Fground.news\u002Farticle\u002Fsuspected-arson-hits-tobacco-store-in-perths-south-east_25577e","Ground News (7NEWS)","2026-01-13",{"id":4757,"url":4758,"outlet":2355,"published_on":16},{"id":3910,"url":3911,"outlet":3912,"published_on":3913},{"id":4469,"occurred_on":4780,"incident_type":42,"title":4781,"summary":4782,"lat":4783,"lng":4784,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4785,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4786},"2025-08-05","SA task force raids six Riverland tobacco stores","South Australia's illicit tobacco task force raided six stores across the Riverland region, seizing more than 1,000 packets of illegal cigarettes, 500 vapes and 15 kilograms of loose tobacco. Several stores received 28-day or 72-hour closure orders and on-the-spot fines.",-34.28544,140.60153,"Berri",[4787],{"id":4788,"url":4789,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},378,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-08-12\u002Fpolice-seize-illegal-tobacco-stores-raids-riverland-sa\u002F105634094",{"id":4505,"occurred_on":4791,"incident_type":209,"title":4792,"summary":4793,"lat":4794,"lng":4795,"location_precision":547,"suburb":4017,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4796},"2025-08-06","Noble Park shisha lounge firebombed","Two offenders allegedly entered a shisha lounge and cafe on Princes Highway, Noble Park, about 11.40pm and used accelerant to set the building alight; a staff member and two customers fled beforehand. The building was significantly damaged; reporting linked the attack to the pattern of organised-crime firebombings affecting the area's tobacco and hospitality retailers, though the direct tobacco-trade link is unconfirmed.",-37.969597,145.17697,[4797,4800,4804],{"id":4798,"url":4799,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},379,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Fshisha-bars-smoked-in-wave-of-targeted-arson-attacks\u002Fnews-story\u002F1af364d3a640c04cdc3d5446de89f38a",{"id":4801,"url":4802,"outlet":4803,"published_on":16},381,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.upstart.net.au\u002Fnoble-park-cafe-set-alight-by-arsonists\u002F","upstart",{"id":4805,"url":4806,"outlet":2487,"published_on":4807},380,"https:\u002F\u002Fdandenong.starcommunity.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-08-07\u002Fnoble-park-shisha-lounge-allegedly-firebombed\u002F","2025-08-07",{"id":4518,"occurred_on":4809,"incident_type":209,"title":4810,"summary":4811,"lat":4812,"lng":4813,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4814,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4815},"2025-08-10","Tobacco store firebombed in Capalaba, man charged","Police allege a East Ipswich man firebombed a tobacco store near the corner of Finucane and Old Cleveland roads in Capalaba on 10 August 2025, about 11 days before a second firebombing at the same business; he was charged over the attack.",-27.52147,153.19017,"Capalaba",[4816,4819],{"id":4817,"url":4818,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},382,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fsuspected-arsonist-escapes-in-car-while-on-fire-after-botched-tobacconist-attack-c-19769820",{"id":4820,"url":4821,"outlet":402,"published_on":4822},384,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025\u002F08\u002F19\u002Fman-charged-over-tobacconist-arson\u002F","2025-08-19",{"id":4824,"occurred_on":4809,"incident_type":349,"title":4825,"summary":4826,"lat":4827,"lng":4828,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4749,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4829},555,"Cannington business shot at a second time in linked tobacco attacks","A Cecil Avenue commercial premises in Cannington was shot at about 4:10am, the second attack on the same business in as many days. Two people in a sedan reportedly fired at the building and a parked vehicle before fleeing; a burned-out getaway car was later found nearby at Martin. Police said the shootings were linked and part of a broader series targeting Perth tobacco retailers.",-32.02055,115.94405,[4830,4831,4834,4837],{"id":4757,"url":4758,"outlet":2355,"published_on":16},{"id":4832,"url":4833,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},698,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-08-11\u002Farson-extortion-shooting-perth-cannington-ballajura-huntingdale\u002F105636608",{"id":4835,"url":4836,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},699,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-08-28\u002Fman-faces-perth-court-over-tobacco-shop-and-pub-shootings\u002F105707016",{"id":4838,"url":4839,"outlet":2380,"published_on":16},834,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.watoday.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fwestern-australia\u002Ftobacco-shops-targeted-in-shootings-firebombing-across-perth-20250811-p5mlx2.html",{"id":4512,"occurred_on":4841,"incident_type":42,"title":4842,"summary":4843,"lat":4844,"lng":4845,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4846,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4847},"2025-08-11","Queensland fines agency raids Brisbane-area tobacco store","Queensland's State Penalties and Enforcement Registry conducted raids on a tobacco store as part of enforcement action against illicit tobacco retailers.",-27.469099,153.0277,"Brisbane",[4848],{"id":4849,"url":4850,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},383,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-08-11\u002Fqueenslands-fines-collection-agency-raid-tobacco\u002F105629442",{"id":4529,"occurred_on":4841,"incident_type":256,"title":4852,"summary":4853,"lat":4854,"lng":4855,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4814,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4856},"Capalaba tobacconist gutted in angle-grinder arson","Police allege a man used an angle grinder to force entry into a Capalaba tobacconist before setting it alight, causing extensive damage; a search warrant at an East Ipswich address recovered clothing and the alleged tool. Taskforce Victor Masher, established after a rise in theft, arson and wilful damage at tobacco and vape stores statewide, led the investigation.",-27.5324,153.1948,[4857,4858],{"id":4820,"url":4821,"outlet":402,"published_on":4822},{"id":4859,"url":4860,"outlet":4861,"published_on":4822},385,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ipswichtribune.com.au\u002Fipswich-man-charged-over-tobacconist-arson","Ipswich Tribune",{"id":4553,"occurred_on":4841,"incident_type":256,"title":4863,"summary":4864,"lat":3905,"lng":3906,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3907,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4865},"Second arson at same Ballajura store","Police allege the same Ballajura store targeted in January 2025 was hit again by arson in July 2025, part of a widening pattern of attacks on tobacco-linked premises across Perth referenced in WA Parliament debate.",[4866,4867],{"id":3910,"url":3911,"outlet":3912,"published_on":3913},{"id":4757,"url":4758,"outlet":2355,"published_on":16},{"id":4560,"occurred_on":4841,"incident_type":209,"title":4869,"summary":4870,"lat":4871,"lng":3016,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4872,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4873},"Findon Road vape store firebombed; Domino's and nail salon damaged","About 3:15am, a suspicious fire gutted the Vapen store on Findon Road, Findon, before spreading to neighbouring businesses including a Domino's pizza and a nail salon. Police and fire investigators treated the attack as arson. South Australian media and authorities framed it as a renewed strike in Adelaide's illicit tobacco and vape turf war.",-34.899483,"Findon",[4874,4877],{"id":4875,"url":4876,"outlet":269,"published_on":4841},386,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Farson-attack-fire-adelaide-20250811-p5zg1n.html",{"id":4878,"url":4879,"outlet":4069,"published_on":4841},387,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.adelaidenow.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-sa\u002Fblock-of-shops-go-up-in-flames-as-vape-store-dominos-pizza-and-nail-salon-damaged-in-suspicious-fire-at-findon\u002Fnews-story\u002F5d130b3f679fa835fcd31d3f4d33ecc9",{"id":4556,"occurred_on":4841,"incident_type":256,"title":4881,"summary":4882,"lat":4883,"lng":3578,"location_precision":547,"suburb":4884,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4885},"Edwardstown supermarket set alight (first of two attacks)","Police allege a supermarket on South Road, Edwardstown, was deliberately set on fire, the first of two arson attacks on the same premises within the month, investigated under Operation Eclipse's inquiry into illicit-tobacco-linked arson and extortion.",-34.9847,"Edwardstown",[4886,4890],{"id":4887,"url":4888,"outlet":4889,"published_on":1268},388,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.sa.gov.au\u002Fsa-police-news-assets\u002Ffront-page-news\u002Fsuspicious-fire-at-edwardstown3","SAPOL",{"id":4891,"url":4892,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},389,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-treating-fire-as-suspicious-at-1513352\u002F",{"id":4569,"occurred_on":4841,"incident_type":67,"title":4894,"summary":4895,"lat":4896,"lng":4897,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3450,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4898},"Pooraka man charged with money laundering over earlier tobacco haul","A Pooraka man was arrested and charged with three counts of money laundering in connection with a previous seizure of $1.65 million in illicit tobacco and cash, as Operation Eclipse continued dismantling distribution networks.",-34.8264,138.6103,[4899],{"id":4900,"url":4901,"outlet":4902,"published_on":4903},390,"https:\u002F\u002Fglamadelaide.com.au\u002Frecord-8-1m-tobacco-haul-seized-in-major-sapol-operation\u002F","Glam Adelaide","2025-08-22",{"id":4905,"occurred_on":4841,"incident_type":349,"title":4906,"summary":4907,"lat":2338,"lng":2339,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2340,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4908},649,"WA Police probe drive-by shootings and arsons on Perth tobacco shops","WA Police say they are liaising with interstate counterparts after drive-by shootings and arson attacks on tobacco businesses in Perth, describing the violence as consistent with illicit-tobacco related organised crime.",[4909],{"id":4910,"url":4911,"outlet":4912,"published_on":16},839,"https:\u002F\u002Fthewest.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fcrime\u002Ftobacco-wars-wa-police-liasing-with-interstate-police-after-three-drive-by-shootings-and-arson-attacks-c-19648507","The West Australian",{"id":4581,"occurred_on":4914,"incident_type":42,"title":4915,"summary":4916,"lat":4917,"lng":4918,"location_precision":547,"suburb":4919,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4920},"2025-08-13","Edinburgh warehouse yields SA's largest illicit tobacco stockpile","Operation Eclipse detectives uncovered South Australia's largest illicit tobacco stockpile inside an Edinburgh industrial warehouse believed to be a distribution centre for an organised crime network: 8.6 million cigarettes, 1.35 million tobacco tubes and over a tonne of loose tobacco, valued at $8.1 million.",-34.7128,138.6272,"Edinburgh",[4921,4922],{"id":4900,"url":4901,"outlet":4902,"published_on":4903},{"id":4923,"url":4924,"outlet":118,"published_on":4925},391,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Foperations-eclipse-seizes-largest-tobacco-1517971\u002F","2025-08-20",{"id":4645,"occurred_on":4927,"incident_type":42,"title":4928,"summary":4929,"lat":4844,"lng":4845,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4846,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4930},"2025-08-15","Border Force and Queensland agencies raid storage sheds, tobacconists and homes","The Australian Border Force and Queensland agencies conducted raids across 17 storage sheds, eight tobacconists and six homes, seizing more than 30 million illegal cigarettes, 400,000 vapes, nearly five tonnes of tobacco and $1 million in cash.",[4931],{"id":345,"url":346,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":4658,"occurred_on":4927,"incident_type":349,"title":4933,"summary":4934,"lat":4935,"lng":4936,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3907,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4937},"Perth candy shop shot at and set alight","A candy store in Ballajura, Perth, was shot at and set alight in August 2025, part of a spate of shootings at suburban Perth tobacco-linked stores that prompted police to investigate a possible turf war.",-31.838669,115.89209,[4938],{"id":4939,"url":4940,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},392,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-12-05\u002Fballajura-shooting-police-search-for-gunman\u002F106106264",{"id":4942,"occurred_on":4943,"incident_type":256,"title":4944,"summary":4945,"lat":4946,"lng":4947,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4948,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":17,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4949},547,"2025-08-17","Woodville South tobacco store targeted in attempted arson","An Adelaide tobacco store at Woodville South was targeted by arsonists in an attempted fire, reported as part of SA's ongoing illicit-tobacco turf conflict. Emergency services responded to the attempted blaze and police investigated it as linked to the tobacco war. (Exact date approximate, drawn from same-day radio and TV coverage in mid-August 2025.)",-34.888504,138.53723,"Woodville South",[4950,4953],{"id":4951,"url":4952,"outlet":2982,"published_on":16},584,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002F7NEWSAdelaide\u002Fvideos\u002Fwoodville-south-arson-attack\u002F1317050599979130\u002F",{"id":4954,"url":4955,"outlet":4956,"published_on":16},700,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thechronicle.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fsouth-australia\u002Fwoodville-south-tobacco-shop-targeted-in-suspected-port-rd-arson-attack\u002Fnews-story\u002F6fe40696aad951009d264d76e64403ed","The Toowoomba Chronicle",{"id":4666,"occurred_on":4822,"incident_type":256,"title":4958,"summary":4959,"lat":4883,"lng":3578,"location_precision":547,"suburb":4884,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4960},"Edwardstown supermarket set alight again (second attack)","Police allege the same South Road, Edwardstown supermarket targeted on 11 August was deliberately set alight again; a Modbury man was later charged with two counts of arson covering both fires.",[4961,4962],{"id":4887,"url":4888,"outlet":4889,"published_on":1268},{"id":4891,"url":4892,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},{"id":4688,"occurred_on":4925,"incident_type":42,"title":4964,"summary":4965,"lat":4672,"lng":4673,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2340,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4966},"AFP and WA Police seize 4 million cigarettes and 900kg loose tobacco in Perth","The AFP, WA Police and Australian Border Force executed multiple search warrants in Perth, seizing more than four million cigarettes, close to 50,500 vapes and almost 900kg of loose-leaf tobacco, avoiding an estimated $8 million in Commonwealth excise.",[4967,4970,4973,4976],{"id":4968,"url":4969,"outlet":1221,"published_on":4925},393,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.afp.gov.au\u002Fnews-centre\u002Fmedia-release\u002Fwa-duo-charged-over-seizure-millions-illicit-cigarettes-and-vapes",{"id":4971,"url":4972,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},701,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-10-31\u002Fperth-men-charged-illicit-tobacco-seizure\u002F105957130",{"id":4974,"url":4975,"outlet":2380,"published_on":16},702,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.watoday.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fwestern-australia\u002Fperth-brothers-face-court-over-massive-illegal-tobacco-seizure-20251031-p5n6vp.html",{"id":4977,"url":4978,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},857,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-10-31\u002Fperth-men-charged-illicit-tobacco-seizure\u002F105957498",{"id":4980,"occurred_on":4925,"incident_type":42,"title":4981,"summary":4982,"lat":4983,"lng":4984,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4985,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4986},543,"Operation Bear raids seize $12m in illicit tobacco and vapes on the Gold Coast","In a raid tied to an alleged organised crime network, Australian Border Force officers with the ATO, Gold Coast Public Health Unit, the Gold Coast Joint Organised Crime Taskforce and Queensland Police Taskforce Masher executed warrants at a suspected safe house at Tallai and seven storage sheds at Carrara. Police allege the seizures totalled more than $12 million, including over 7.5 million cigarettes, about 218kg of loose tobacco, roughly 26,000 vapes, a cash counting machine and cash. The network was suspected of illicit tobacco importation, distribution and money laundering.",-28.020956,153.37105,"Carrara",[4987],{"id":4988,"url":4989,"outlet":3844,"published_on":16},580,"https:\u002F\u002Facapmag.com.au\u002F2025\u002F08\u002Ftobacco-crime-ring-exposed-7-5-million-cigarettes-seized-in-12m-police-bust\u002F",{"id":4693,"occurred_on":4991,"incident_type":209,"title":4992,"summary":4993,"lat":4994,"lng":4995,"location_precision":547,"suburb":4814,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":4996},"2025-08-21","Capalaba tobacco store set alight; alleged arsonist flees on fire","A tobacco and gift store on Finucane Road, Capalaba, was deliberately set alight on a Thursday evening while two people were inside. The alleged offender fled in a blue sedan that was itself engulfed in flames; the burning vehicle was later found nearby at Birkdale. No injuries were reported. Police treated it as part of ongoing tobacco-related arson activity in Brisbane's south-east.",-27.527,153.198,[4997,5000,5001],{"id":4998,"url":4999,"outlet":921,"published_on":4903},394,"https:\u002F\u002Fthenightly.com.au\u002Faustralia\u002Fqueensland\u002Fcapalaba-tobacco-store-fire-man-flees-redland-crime-scene-after-setting-himself-on-fire-c-19764136",{"id":4817,"url":4818,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},{"id":5002,"url":5003,"outlet":621,"published_on":16},835,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fsuspicious-fire-capalaba-police-hunting-driver-after-suspected-arson-attempt-queensland-crime-20250822-p5zgcp.html",{"id":4713,"occurred_on":4991,"incident_type":42,"title":5005,"summary":5006,"lat":1700,"lng":5007,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5008,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5009},"Raids seize $7M in illicit tobacco, cash and luxury watches","The Criminal Proceeds Squad and an illicit-tobacco taskforce, supported by the Australian Border Force, executed warrants at two homes in Dallas and a business in Epping, with related seizures at Campbellfield and a vehicle interception at Laverton North. Police seized millions of illicit cigarettes and loose-leaf tobacco worth around $7M, about $180,000 cash, six luxury watches and electronic devices, alleging roughly $83M was laundered since 2021. Two men were arrested. The allegations are yet to be tested in court.",144.95,"Dallas",[5010],{"id":5011,"url":5012,"outlet":118,"published_on":4903},395,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002F7m-illicit-tobacco-cash-watches-seized-in-crime-1519638\u002F",{"id":5014,"occurred_on":4991,"incident_type":42,"title":5015,"summary":5016,"lat":5017,"lng":5018,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5019,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5020},651,"Raids seize $7.2m illicit tobacco after Somerton cash-drop investigation","Victoria Police and the ABF executed warrants after probes into cash drops at a Somerton takeaway and an Epping factory, seizing about $7.2 million in illicit tobacco, cash and watches. A truck in Laverton North was allegedly carrying a large load; a Dallas man was arrested. Police allege an organised-crime network laundered large sums.",-37.634724,144.95004,"Somerton",[5021,5024],{"id":5022,"url":5023,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},841,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-08-22\u002Ftwo-men-arrested-seven-million-dollars-illicit-tobacco\u002F105686114",{"id":5025,"url":5026,"outlet":5027,"published_on":16},842,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.smh.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Ftwo-arrests-millions-seized-how-the-tobacco-wars-played-out-in-a-melbourne-takeaway-shop-20250822-p5mp2t.html","SMH.com.au",{"id":5029,"occurred_on":4903,"incident_type":42,"title":5030,"summary":5031,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5032},648,"Police seize over $7m in illicit tobacco, cash and watches in Melbourne raids","Police seized more than $7 million worth of illicit tobacco plus cash and luxury watches in an investigation into alleged money laundering linked to organised crime in Melbourne.",[5033],{"id":5034,"url":5035,"outlet":621,"published_on":16},838,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fvic\u002Fmelbourne-millions-in-illegal-tobacco-cash-and-luxury-watches-seized-after-police-bust-alleged-syndicate-20250822-p5zgd0.html",{"id":4716,"occurred_on":4471,"incident_type":209,"title":5037,"summary":5038,"lat":1655,"lng":1656,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1657,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5039},"Browns Plains business on Enterprise Way set alight; stolen car left at scene","About 3am, police and emergency services responded to a business on Enterprise Way, Browns Plains, engulfed in fire. Initial investigations indicate three offenders arrived in two vehicles, set the business alight, and left in a dark hatchback. A white Hyundai i30 stolen from Stafford was left at the scene. Two businesses were damaged. Media reported a Browns Plains tobacconist firebombed a second time within three months amid the illicit tobacco conflict.",[5040,5041,5044],{"id":345,"url":346,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5042,"url":5043,"outlet":1029,"published_on":4471},396,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025\u002F08\u002F26\u002Fsuspicious-fire-browns-plains-2\u002F",{"id":5045,"url":5046,"outlet":1029,"published_on":16},599,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Flogan\u002F2025\u002F08\u002F26\u002Fsuspicious-fire-browns-plains-2\u002F",{"id":4723,"occurred_on":5048,"incident_type":209,"title":5049,"summary":5050,"lat":5051,"lng":5052,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4884,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5053},"2025-08-28","Two tobacco\u002Fvape shops firebombed in one day at Edwardstown and Flinders Park","Two Adelaide tobacco and vape shops were firebombed on the same day, one at Edwardstown and another at Flinders Park, in attacks reported as part of the ongoing illicit-tobacco conflict. Reporting noted the Flinders Park attack as the 250th such firebombing nationally since 2023.",-34.984,138.567,[5054,5059],{"id":5055,"url":5056,"outlet":5057,"published_on":5058},397,"https:\u002F\u002Fadelaideaz.com\u002Farticles\u002Fpolice-join-illicit-south-australia-tobacco-crackdown-as-organised-crime-brings-arson-and-threats","Adelaide AZ","2025-08-29",{"id":5060,"url":5061,"outlet":4956,"published_on":16},703,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thechronicle.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fsouth-australia\u002Ffire-bug-fears-as-police-investigate-overnight-shop-fires-at-edwardstown-flinders-park\u002Fnews-story\u002F5c3fc79b80ec3c902755353f65922139",{"id":4734,"occurred_on":5048,"incident_type":209,"title":5063,"summary":5064,"lat":5065,"lng":5066,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5067,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":17,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5068},"Flinders Park tobacconist firebombed, called 250th linked attack nationally","A tobacconist at Flinders Park, in the Hindmarsh area, was firebombed on the same day as a firebombing at Edwardstown; advocacy trackers described it as the 250th tobacco\u002Fvape-related firebombing recorded nationally since the conflict began in 2023.",-34.9089,138.5583,"Flinders Park",[5069,5074],{"id":5070,"url":5071,"outlet":5072,"published_on":5073},398,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.aliveadvocacymovement.com\u002Fpost\u002F250-firebombings-australia-s-tobacco-and-vape-war-has-reached-breaking-point","ALIVE Advocacy Movement","2025-09-08",{"id":5075,"url":5076,"outlet":5077,"published_on":16},704,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.weeklytimesnow.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fsouth-australia\u002Ffire-bug-fears-as-police-investigate-overnight-shop-fires-at-edwardstown-flinders-park\u002Fnews-story\u002F5c3fc79b80ec3c902755353f65922139","The Weekly Times",{"id":4753,"occurred_on":5048,"incident_type":209,"title":5079,"summary":5080,"lat":5081,"lng":5082,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1278,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5083},"Tobacco store rammed and set alight in overnight attack, Werribee","In the early hours, offenders allegedly reversed a 4WD into the shopfront of a tobacco store on Watton Street, Werribee, then used an accelerant to set the building alight before fleeing. Two people in an adjoining property escaped and were treated for smoke inhalation. Police established a crime scene and investigated alleged links to Melbourne's illicit-tobacco conflict; no arrests were reported at the time.",-37.899,144.661,[5084,5087],{"id":5085,"url":5086,"outlet":961,"published_on":5048},399,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bay939.com.au\u002Flocal-news\u002Fwerribee-tobacco-store-up-in-flames\u002F",{"id":5088,"url":5089,"outlet":1414,"published_on":5048},400,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wyndhamtv.com.au\u002Ftobacco-shop-fire-in-werribee\u002F",{"id":4757,"occurred_on":5091,"incident_type":256,"title":5092,"summary":5093,"lat":5094,"lng":5095,"location_precision":547,"suburb":5096,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5097},"2025-08-30","Crews contain deliberately lit tobacco store fire in Mentone","Fire crews responded to a structure fire at a tobacco store on Como Parade after a Triple Zero call at 5:35am, containing the blaze within minutes. The store sustained minor damage and smoke logging, with the incident under control by 5:44am. Fire investigators determined the blaze appeared deliberate and the scene was handed to police.",-37.98152,145.07045,"Mentone",[5098,5101],{"id":5099,"url":5100,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},401,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-victoria\u002Fmelton-tobacco-shop-goes-up-in-flames-in-latenight-arson-attack\u002Fnews-story\u002Fd17cb53cd0e168adfa9b987e6ed60d78",{"id":5102,"url":5103,"outlet":3362,"published_on":5091},402,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.frv.vic.gov.au\u002Fcrews-respond-mentone-tobacco-store-fire",{"id":4773,"occurred_on":5091,"incident_type":256,"title":5105,"summary":5106,"lat":4535,"lng":4536,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2760,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5107},"Shisha lounge on Clow Street, Dandenong, firebombed","Police allege a stolen vehicle was driven into a shisha lounge on Clow Street, Dandenong, about 4.45am and set alight with fuel, destroying the interior and collapsing the roof. Police are investigating whether it is connected to a wider campaign of arson attacks.",[5108],{"id":4798,"url":4799,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},{"id":4788,"occurred_on":5091,"incident_type":256,"title":5110,"summary":5111,"lat":5112,"lng":5113,"location_precision":13,"suburb":473,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5114},"Shisha venue on Springvale Road, Springvale, set alight","Police allege offenders forced their way through the front door of a shisha venue on Springvale Road, Springvale, about 7am and set it alight, hours after a similar attack in Dandenong the same morning.",-37.946014,145.15823,[5115],{"id":4798,"url":4799,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},{"id":4798,"occurred_on":1268,"incident_type":67,"title":5117,"summary":5118,"lat":4883,"lng":3578,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4884,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5119},"Three arrested over Edwardstown supermarket arson attacks","A Modbury man was arrested and charged with two counts of arson relating to the 11 and 19 August fires at an Edwardstown supermarket; a Paradise woman and a Ingle Farm man were separately charged with assisting an offender.",[5120,5121],{"id":4887,"url":4888,"outlet":4889,"published_on":1268},{"id":4891,"url":4892,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},{"id":4805,"occurred_on":5123,"incident_type":256,"title":5124,"summary":5125,"lat":5126,"lng":5127,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5128,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5129},"2025-09-04","Moruya tobacconist fire spreads to neighbouring shop","Police allege a fire deliberately lit at a tobacconist in Moruya about 2.40am quickly spread to a neighbouring business; more than 30 firefighters took about three hours to bring the blaze under control. South Coast Police District established a crime scene and investigation. the NSW Police Commissioner later said the fire was part of a cluster of suspicious South Coast tobacco shop fires with reported organised-crime and organised crime links.",-35.9086,150.0783,"Moruya",[5130,5134,5138],{"id":5131,"url":5132,"outlet":4690,"published_on":5133},403,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.illawarramercury.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9188916\u002Fsuspicious-fires-at-illawarra-south-coast-tobacco-shops-probed\u002F","2026-03-04",{"id":5135,"url":5136,"outlet":5137,"published_on":16},404,"https:\u002F\u002Faboutregional.com.au\u002Fdeeply-disappointing-and-devastating-moruya-reacts-to-suspicious-blaze\u002F486282\u002F","About Regional",{"id":5139,"url":5140,"outlet":5141,"published_on":16},405,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.2ec.com.au\u002Flocal-news\u002Freported-bikie-links-to-moruya-tobacconist\u002F","2EC",{"id":4801,"occurred_on":5143,"incident_type":209,"title":5144,"summary":5145,"lat":5146,"lng":5147,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5148,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5149},"2025-09-05","Keilor Park wedding venue torched in tobacco war arson attack","Police allege arsonists rammed a stolen SUV through the Ultima Function Centre in Keilor Park before setting the vehicle and building alight, hours before the venue was due to host a concert linked to Melbourne's tobacco turf war.",-37.71999,144.85062,"Keilor Park",[5150],{"id":5151,"url":5152,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},406,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fwedding-venue-torched-by-arsonists-in-tobacco-war-attack-c-19922985",{"id":4817,"occurred_on":5154,"incident_type":67,"title":5155,"summary":5156,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5157},"2025-09-09","Two charged over $36.3m illicit tobacco importation in Melbourne","Police allege a man masterminded the importation of more than seven tonnes of loose tobacco, about five million cigarettes and thousands of vapes to defraud $36.3m in revenue, distributing to 20 tobacco shops he controlled. Two men were charged after raids across Campbellfield, Coburg North, Meadow Heights, Mickleham, Gladstone Park and Craigieburn, seizing about 70 pallets of product.",[5158],{"id":5159,"url":5160,"outlet":1363,"published_on":16},407,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theaustralian.com.au\u002Fnation\u002Fillicit-tobacco-ringleader-charged-over-363m-tax-fraud-in-melbourne\u002Fnews-story\u002Fa2d71e035451205fc46d6a9e22b24dff",{"id":4849,"occurred_on":5154,"incident_type":42,"title":5162,"summary":5163,"lat":5164,"lng":5165,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5166,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5167},"Major illicit-tobacco importation raid across Melbourne's north; alleged ringleader charged","The Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (AFP, Victoria Police, ABF) executed warrants across Campbellfield, Coburg North, Meadow Heights, Mickleham, Gladstone Park and Craigieburn and charged a North Coburg man alleged to have masterminded importing over seven tonnes of illicit tobacco, ~5 million cigarettes and 5,000+ vapes (about $36.3m dodged excise). A Meadow Heights man was also charged. All accused are alleged only.",-37.727,144.965,"Coburg North",[5168,5172,5175],{"id":5169,"url":5170,"outlet":1221,"published_on":5171},408,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.afp.gov.au\u002Fnews-centre\u002Fmedia-release\u002Fmajor-alleged-illicit-tobacco-supplier-arrested-melbourne","2025-09-11",{"id":5173,"url":5174,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},705,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-09-11\u002Fmelbourne-illegal-tobacco-arrest\u002F105760448",{"id":5176,"url":5177,"outlet":5178,"published_on":16},836,"https:\u002F\u002Ftanea.com.au\u002Fen\u002Falleged-tobacco-mastermind-arrested-after-major-melbourne-raid\u002F","tanea.com.au",{"id":4820,"occurred_on":5154,"incident_type":42,"title":5180,"summary":5181,"lat":1700,"lng":5007,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1494,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5182},"Alleged illicit-tobacco supply network targeted in raids across Melbourne's north","A joint law-enforcement taskforce executed search warrants at commercial and residential properties across Melbourne's north, including at Campbellfield and Craigieburn, targeting an alleged illicit-tobacco supply network. About 70 pallets of alleged illicit product were seized, said to include tonnes of loose-leaf tobacco, tens of millions of cigarette sticks and tens of thousands of vapes, along with manufacturing equipment, a cash-counting machine and electronic devices. A man was charged over the importation of illicit tobacco said to have dodged an estimated $36.3 million in excise. The allegations are yet to be tested in court.",[5183,5184],{"id":5169,"url":5170,"outlet":1221,"published_on":5171},{"id":5173,"url":5174,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":4859,"occurred_on":5186,"incident_type":42,"title":5187,"summary":5188,"lat":3028,"lng":3029,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3430,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5189},"2025-09-10","Closure orders reach 95 stores across SA under tobacco\u002Fvape laws","South Australia's illicit tobacco enforcement push reached 95 closures (50 long-term, 43 short-term) since new powers took effect in mid-2025, with recent orders covering stores in Adelaide, Salisbury, Semaphore, Malvern, Kadina, Nuriootpa, Rosewater and Stonyfell; more than $40 million in illegal product seized to date.",[5190],{"id":5191,"url":5192,"outlet":4902,"published_on":5186},409,"https:\u002F\u002Fglamadelaide.com.au\u002Fsouth-australia-cracks-down-on-illicit-tobacco-issues-50-store-closures-under-new-laws\u002F",{"id":5194,"occurred_on":5195,"incident_type":8,"title":5196,"summary":5197,"lat":104,"lng":105,"location_precision":13,"suburb":32,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5198},562,"2025-09-12","Two men sentenced over $13 million illicit-cigarette importation scheme","Two men described by authorities as having links to serious organised crime were sentenced at Downing Centre Local Court after the importation and distribution of more than 10.6 million illicit cigarettes, evading an estimated $13 million in duty. The Australian Border Force-led investigation (with the AFP and ACIC) began in 2022; a shipping container was intercepted in September 2023 and search warrants were later executed at properties across Sydney's south-west and south. Authorities said the illicit tobacco trade is fuelling violence in the community. One man was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment and the other to an 18-month term to be served in the community.",[5199,5201,5203,5206],{"id":1606,"url":5200,"outlet":2206,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fnewsroom-subsite\u002FPages\u002FProminent-crime-figures-sentenced-following-illicit-tobacco-investigation.aspx",{"id":1506,"url":5202,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fcrime-figures-sentenced-in-tobacco-probe-1534880\u002F",{"id":1906,"url":5204,"outlet":5205,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.c-store.com.au\u002Ftwo-men-sentenced-over-13-million-illicit-cigarette-operation\u002F","Convenience Store News",{"id":1837,"url":5207,"outlet":5208,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.couriermail.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F13m-illegal-cigarette-smugglers-cop-slap-on-the-wrist-sentence\u002Fnews-story\u002Fb562ddd2456f58a4f87cbe0c8cf71a19","Courier-Mail",{"id":5210,"occurred_on":5211,"incident_type":89,"title":5212,"summary":5213,"lat":5214,"lng":5215,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5216,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5217},647,"2025-09-15","Tobacconist near Ipswich ram-raided and set alight","Police are investigating an early-morning ram-raid and fire at a tobacconist south-west of Brisbane near Ipswich. Offenders allegedly fled after the targeted attack.",-27.615494,152.7606,"Ipswich",[5218],{"id":5219,"url":5220,"outlet":621,"published_on":16},837,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fqueensland-crime-ram-raid-fire-redbank-plains-police-news-20250915-p5zgzb.html",{"id":4875,"occurred_on":5222,"incident_type":209,"title":5223,"summary":5224,"lat":5225,"lng":5226,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5227,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5228},"2025-09-16","Car rams Redbank Plains tobacco store then bursts into flames","A crime scene was declared after a car rammed into a tobacco store southwest of Brisbane at Redbank Plains before bursting into flames. Media reported the tobacconist was put out of business after the ram-raid and fire attack.",-27.650581,152.84727,"Redbank Plains",[5229,5233],{"id":5230,"url":5231,"outlet":5232,"published_on":5222},410,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.couriermail.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-qld\u002Fcrime-scene-declared-as-car-rams-shop-at-redbank-plains-starts-fire\u002Fnews-story\u002F198cad3aca5b1fd80ec62a8b4f9f7f29","Courier Mail",{"id":5234,"url":5235,"outlet":4956,"published_on":16},707,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thechronicle.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fqueensland\u002Fcrime-scene-declared-as-car-rams-shop-at-redbank-plains-starts-fire\u002Fnews-story\u002F198cad3aca5b1fd80ec62a8b4f9f7f29",{"id":4878,"occurred_on":5237,"incident_type":89,"title":5238,"summary":5239,"lat":5240,"lng":5241,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5242,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5243},"2025-10-01","Longwarry Supermarket ram raid linked to illicit tobacco trade","In the early hours, a stolen utility allegedly rammed the roller door of a long-established family-run supermarket in Longwarry, damaging the roller door, front doors, windows and bollards (damage put at roughly $8,000-$10,000) before fleeing without getting inside. Police allege the attack was connected to the illicit tobacco trade and that the store had been misidentified as a tobacco supplier. The ram raid followed earlier intimidation, including a note left at the store and break-ins targeting cigarettes. Investigated by Baw Baw Crime Investigation Unit \u002F Warragul Police.",-38.1283,145.7556,"Longwarry",[5244,5249],{"id":5245,"url":5246,"outlet":5247,"published_on":5248},411,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thegazette.com.au\u002Fram-raid-wrong-target","Warragul & Drouin Gazette","2025-10-06",{"id":5250,"url":5251,"outlet":77,"published_on":16},708,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ntnews.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Fmenacing-note-to-call-the-commission-left-on-longwarry-supermarket-days-before-it-was-ram-raided\u002Fnews-story\u002F9cefce057300f5f6d1e4277050ee1045",{"id":4887,"occurred_on":5237,"incident_type":27,"title":5253,"summary":5254,"lat":5255,"lng":5256,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5257,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5258},"York business forced entry and extensively damaged","Police allege a York business linked to the illicit tobacco trade was forcibly entered and extensively damaged in October 2025, the first of three attacks at York over the following two months cited in WA Parliament.",-31.8934,116.7676,"York",[5259,5260],{"id":3910,"url":3911,"outlet":3912,"published_on":3913},{"id":5261,"url":5262,"outlet":5263,"published_on":16},412,"https:\u002F\u002Fechonewspaper.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmen-charged-in-connection-withmidland-and-york-arson-cases\u002F","Echo Newspaper",{"id":4891,"occurred_on":5237,"incident_type":209,"title":5265,"summary":5266,"lat":5214,"lng":5215,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5216,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":17,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5267},"Ipswich tobacconist ram-raided and firebombed days after health shutdown","An Ipswich tobacconist was targeted in a ram-raid and arson attack just days after being shut down by health officials, according to television news coverage. Police investigated the attack amid Queensland's illicit tobacco conflict.",[5268],{"id":5269,"url":5270,"outlet":5271,"published_on":5237},413,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002F7NEWSQld\u002Fvideos\u002Fipswich-tobacconist-targeted-in-arson-attack\u002F1305675280941885\u002F","7NEWS Brisbane",{"id":4900,"occurred_on":5273,"incident_type":209,"title":5274,"summary":5275,"lat":5276,"lng":5277,"location_precision":13,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5278},"2025-10-07","Glenroy tobacco store firebombed again (2nd of 3 attacks)","Police allege the Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy tobacco store previously hit in October 2023 was firebombed again; it would be attacked a third time in February 2026.",-37.7028,144.9233,[5279,5280],{"id":963,"url":964,"outlet":118,"published_on":965},{"id":5281,"url":5282,"outlet":118,"published_on":5133},414,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fgang-squad-probes-glenroy-tobacco-shop-blaze-1630544\u002F",{"id":5284,"occurred_on":5285,"incident_type":42,"title":5286,"summary":5287,"lat":5288,"lng":5289,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5290,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5291},653,"2025-10-08","Raids in Berrinba and Yatala seize millions in illicit vapes and tobacco","Search warrants at storage and distribution sites in Berrinba and Yatala allegedly uncovered tens of thousands of vapes and millions of dollars worth of illegal cigarettes and loose tobacco. Authorities said further enforcement action may follow.",-27.653938,153.08354,"Berrinba",[5292],{"id":5293,"url":5294,"outlet":4507,"published_on":16},845,"https:\u002F\u002Fmycitylogan.com.au\u002Fauthorities-need-more-manpower-as-raids-uncover-9-million-in-vapes-tobacco\u002F",{"id":4923,"occurred_on":5296,"incident_type":209,"title":5297,"summary":5298,"lat":5299,"lng":5300,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5242,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5301},"2025-10-15","Regional Victorian store firebombed in Longwarry","A store in the south-east Victorian town of Longwarry was firebombed, part of a series of attacks on regional Victorian stores linked to the illicit tobacco trade.",-38.111134,145.76828,[5302],{"id":5303,"url":5304,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},415,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-02-19\u002Fdimboola-gift-shop-fire-police-investigate-tobacco-wars\u002F106362692",{"id":4939,"occurred_on":5296,"incident_type":8,"title":5306,"summary":5307,"lat":5308,"lng":5309,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5310,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5311},"Hervey Bay tobacco retailer banned from selling tobacco for two years","Queensland Health won an interim injunction in July 2025 ordering a business operator to close five Hervey Bay stores accused of selling illicit cigarettes and tobacco, following repeated raids between 2023 and 2025 that seized hundreds of thousands of illicit cigarettes. In October 2025 a court banned the operator from selling tobacco products in Queensland for two years.",-25.2981,152.85376,"Hervey Bay",[5312,5315],{"id":5313,"url":5314,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},416,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-07-15\u002Ftobacconist-owner-hervey-bay-ordered-close-businesses-injunction\u002F105535478",{"id":5316,"url":5317,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},417,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-11-24\u002Fillegal-tobacco-industry-millions-in-fines-unpaid-queensland\u002F106030978",{"id":4968,"occurred_on":5296,"incident_type":209,"title":5319,"summary":5320,"lat":5321,"lng":4179,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5322,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":17,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5323},"Gym firebombed in Mordialloc","A Mordialloc gym reportedly linked to organised-crime figures was firebombed in mid-October during the broader tobacco-war violence.",-38,"Mordialloc",[5324,5325],{"id":710,"url":711,"outlet":712,"published_on":713},{"id":5326,"url":5327,"outlet":5328,"published_on":16},709,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.couriermail.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Fsuspicious-fire-rips-through-comancherolinked-nitro-gym-outlet-in-mordialloc\u002Fnews-story\u002F5fcabcd2cfd4166eba77f6a125f24839","The Courier-Mail",{"id":4998,"occurred_on":5330,"incident_type":209,"title":5331,"summary":5332,"lat":5333,"lng":5052,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2923,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5334},"2025-10-18","Daylight firebombing of a Torrensville market leaves two workers with burns","At about 11:35am, offenders wearing a motorcycle helmet and a balaclava entered a market and butchery on Henley Beach Road, Torrensville, carrying a jerry can and a Molotov cocktail. Two employees suffered burns and were hospitalised, and a man was also hospitalised with serious burns from an allegedly related incident. Police said it was not random and were investigating whether it related to the illicit tobacco market; damage was estimated at about $150,000.",-34.918,[5335,5339],{"id":5336,"url":5337,"outlet":3034,"published_on":5338},418,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationaltribune.com.au\u002Fsuspects-identified-in-torrensville-arson-attack\u002F","2025-10-21",{"id":5340,"url":5341,"outlet":118,"published_on":5342},419,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fsuspects-identified-in-torrensville-arson-attack-1554438\u002F","2025-10-20",{"id":5011,"occurred_on":5338,"incident_type":256,"title":5344,"summary":5345,"lat":5346,"lng":5347,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5348,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5349},"Nowra tobacconist targeted in suspicious fire","Police allege a fire caused minor damage to a tobacconist on Kalandar Street, Nowra in the early hours; the blaze was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW. The incident was one of four suspicious South Coast tobacco shop fires within a three-month period that the NSW Police Commissioner said were linked to organised crime's fight for control of the illicit tobacco trade.",-34.8809,150.6017,"Nowra",[5350],{"id":5351,"url":5352,"outlet":5353,"published_on":5133},420,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.southcoastregister.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9188916\u002Fsuspicious-fires-at-illawarra-south-coast-tobacco-shops-probed\u002F","South Coast Register",{"id":5042,"occurred_on":5355,"incident_type":67,"title":5356,"summary":5357,"lat":2921,"lng":2922,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2923,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5358},"2025-10-23","Salisbury North man charged over Torrensville firebombing","A Salisbury North man was located and arrested at Victor Harbor and charged with arson, four counts of attempted murder and two counts of acts to endanger life, over the 18 October firebombing at a Torrensville business that injured two employees. He was refused bail and appeared in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court.",[5359,5360],{"id":5336,"url":5337,"outlet":3034,"published_on":5338},{"id":5361,"url":5362,"outlet":4309,"published_on":16},710,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.adelaidenow.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fsouth-australia\u002Ftwo-men-have-been-arrested-over-the-brazen-torrensville-saray-market-and-butchery-firebombing-that-landed-two-young-employees-in-hospital-with-severe-burns\u002Fnews-story\u002Fffff723fb7998f31f4aef57d996143c1",{"id":5364,"occurred_on":5365,"incident_type":42,"title":5366,"summary":5367,"lat":5368,"lng":5369,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5370,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5371},658,"2025-10-24","Police seize about $1 million in vapes and illegal tobacco in Lake Macquarie","Police reported seizing a large quantity of vapes and illegal tobacco in the Lake Macquarie area, with the haul valued around $1 million. The action forms part of illicit nicotine product enforcement in NSW.",-35.25014,149.0632,"Lake Macquarie",[5372],{"id":5373,"url":5374,"outlet":5375,"published_on":16},850,"https:\u002F\u002Fnewcastleweekly.com.au\u002Fpolice-seize-1m-worth-of-vapes-illegal-tobacco-in-lake-mac\u002F","Newcastle Weekly",{"id":5055,"occurred_on":5377,"incident_type":209,"title":5378,"summary":5379,"lat":5380,"lng":5381,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5382,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5383},"2025-10-28","Vehicle rammed into Sanctuary Point tobacconist, sparking fire","Police allege a vehicle was deliberately driven into a tobacconist on Paradise Beach Road, Sanctuary Point about 1am, with both the car and shopfront catching fire; the vehicle was destroyed and the shop and a neighbouring business sustained partial structural damage. The driver fled before police arrived. The attack was treated as suspicious and linked by police to a cluster of organised-crime-related tobacco shop fires across the NSW South Coast.",-35.177,150.639,"Sanctuary Point",[5384,5388],{"id":5385,"url":5386,"outlet":4690,"published_on":5387},421,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.illawarramercury.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9101591\u002Fsuspicious-fire-at-sanctuary-point-tobacconist\u002F","2025-10-31",{"id":5389,"url":5390,"outlet":5353,"published_on":5387},422,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.southcoastregister.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9101591\u002Fsuspicious-fire-at-sanctuary-point-tobacconist\u002F",{"id":5070,"occurred_on":5392,"incident_type":67,"title":5393,"summary":5394,"lat":3947,"lng":3556,"location_precision":13,"suburb":846,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5395},"2025-10-29","Fifth man charged over alleged crimes linked to tobacco network","An illicit-tobacco taskforce charged a fifth man over an investigation into an organised-crime network involved in extortion and money laundering linked to the illicit-tobacco trade, following an alleged aggravated home invasion in Craigieburn and a business burglary in Broadmeadows. Accused men from suburbs including Kialla, Glenroy, Kalkallo, Keilor Downs and Mickleham faced charges including aggravated home invasion, burglary and theft. The allegations are yet to be tested in court.",[5396],{"id":5397,"url":5398,"outlet":118,"published_on":5392},423,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ffifth-man-charged-by-taskforce-lunar-in-suburb-1559744\u002F",{"id":5085,"occurred_on":5392,"incident_type":42,"title":5400,"summary":5401,"lat":2965,"lng":2966,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5402},"Taskforce Lunar folded into Gang Crime Squad after 170+ arrests","Police announced the anti-tobacco-war Taskforce Lunar would transition into the Gang Crime Squad from November 2025, reporting more than 170 arrests, 350 search warrants and $50 million in seizures plus 40 firearms since 2023, with arson attacks reportedly falling year-on-year.",[5403],{"id":5404,"url":5405,"outlet":3929,"published_on":5392},424,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationaltribune.com.au\u002Fchanges-to-taskforce-lunar\u002F",{"id":5407,"occurred_on":5408,"incident_type":42,"title":5409,"summary":5410,"lat":5411,"lng":5412,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5413,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5414},654,"2025-10-30","Vapes, cigarettes, tobacco and firearms seized in Byron Bay and Mullumbimby raids","Raids in the Byron Bay and Mullumbimby area reportedly netted vapes, cigarettes, tobacco and firearms. Coverage relates the seizures to organised illicit tobacco enforcement on the NSW north coast.",-28.642212,153.61235,"Byron Bay",[5415],{"id":5416,"url":5417,"outlet":5418,"published_on":16},846,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.echo.net.au\u002F2025\u002F11\u002Fvapes-cigarettes-tobacco-and-firearms-seized-in-byron-bay-and-mullum-raids\u002F","echo.net.au",{"id":5420,"occurred_on":5408,"incident_type":67,"title":5421,"summary":5422,"lat":5423,"lng":5424,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5425,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5426},660,"Four charged after far north coast illicit tobacco and vape raids","Police charged four people after raids around Mullumbimby, Byron Bay and Tweed Heads, alleging an organised network moved illicit tobacco and vapes through local outlets. Officers reported seizing large quantities of cigarettes, vapes, loose tobacco and firearms.",-28.553492,153.50217,"Mullumbimby",[5427,5430,5434],{"id":5428,"url":5429,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},854,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-10-31\u002Ffour-charged-over-alleged-illegal-tobacco-vape-network-nsw\u002F105956200",{"id":5431,"url":5432,"outlet":5433,"published_on":16},856,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fnsw\u002F18000-vapes-19-million-cigarettes-and-firearms-seized-in-organised-crime-syndicates-raids\u002Fnews-story\u002F1826b4277bdc2f860a3df0ec6aa8cd30","The Daily Telegraph",{"id":5435,"url":5436,"outlet":621,"published_on":16},855,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002F2-million-dollars-illicit-tobacco-seized-police-operation-nsw-far-north-coast-20251031-p5zias.html",{"id":5088,"occurred_on":5438,"incident_type":8,"title":5439,"summary":5440,"lat":673,"lng":674,"location_precision":13,"suburb":675,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5441},"2025-11-01","Tobacco retailer fined $1.49 million over illicit tobacco sales","A tobacco retail company's then-director pleaded guilty in Emerald Magistrates Court to 50 charges, including supplying commercial quantities of illicit tobacco. The magistrate imposed a $1.49 million fine, far exceeding the $200,000-$300,000 sought by prosecutors.",[5442,5443],{"id":242,"url":251,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":669,"url":679,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5099,"occurred_on":5438,"incident_type":42,"title":5445,"summary":5446,"lat":339,"lng":340,"location_precision":13,"suburb":341,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5447},"Illicit tobacco and vapes seized from Bundaberg stores","Boxes of suspected illicit tobacco and vapes were seized from stores in Bundaberg in November 2025 as part of Queensland's broader crackdown on the illegal nicotine trade.",[5448],{"id":5449,"url":5450,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},425,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-12-13\u002Fillicit-vaping-cigarette-raids-create-game-of-whack-a-mole\u002F106120236",{"id":5102,"occurred_on":5438,"incident_type":256,"title":5452,"summary":5453,"lat":5454,"lng":5455,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5456,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5457},"Suspected arson guts Bunbury convenience store and neighbours","A suspected attack on a Bunbury convenience store linked to the illicit tobacco trade gutted the shop and damaged neighbouring small businesses, one of eight suspected tobacco-linked store attacks across WA in a three-month period.",-33.32216,115.638275,"Bunbury",[5458],{"id":5459,"url":5460,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},426,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-01-19\u002Fillegal-tobacco-vapes-violent-crime-in-regional-towns\u002F106207292",{"id":5131,"occurred_on":5462,"incident_type":42,"title":5463,"summary":5464,"lat":5465,"lng":5466,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5467,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5468},"2025-11-04","Two Sydney shops shut in first use of NSW closure laws at St Leonards","NSW Health raided and instantly shut down two shops selling illicit tobacco and vapes at St Leonards, on Sydney's north shore, in the first use of new closure laws; the raids netted 3,860 illicit cigarettes and 224 illegal vapes and closed the shops for 90 days.",-33.824,151.19243,"St Leonards",[5469,5472],{"id":5470,"url":5471,"outlet":1363,"published_on":16},427,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theaustralian.com.au\u002Fbusiness\u002Flegal-affairs\u002Ftwo-sydney-shops-shut-down-in-first-illicit-tobacco-raid-crackdown\u002Fnews-story\u002F2c83d83e4b23e6a85ebb09dee098fd0c",{"id":5473,"url":5474,"outlet":5077,"published_on":16},711,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.weeklytimesnow.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fbreaking-news\u002Ftwo-st-leonards-sydney-stores-shut-down-as-nsw-government-begins-hefty-crackdown-on-illicit-tobacco-sales\u002Fnews-story\u002F7f3359590e9589ab9569294e08de93f9",{"id":5476,"occurred_on":5462,"incident_type":67,"title":5477,"summary":5478,"lat":5479,"lng":5480,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5481,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5482},662,"Two men charged over multi-tonne illicit tobacco and vape haul in Perth","Federal and state authorities charged two men after warrants across Perth allegedly uncovered millions of cigarettes, tens of thousands of vapes and hundreds of kilograms of loose tobacco. Police said distributing the products would have avoided about $8 million in duty and linked the trade to organised crime violence.",-31.790953,115.821205,"Wangara",[5483],{"id":5484,"url":5485,"outlet":2223,"published_on":16},859,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.c-store.com.au\u002Ftwo-men-charged-over-five-tonne-illicit-tobacco-haul-in-wa\u002F",{"id":5135,"occurred_on":5487,"incident_type":256,"title":5488,"summary":5489,"lat":5490,"lng":5491,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5492,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":17,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5493},"2025-11-05","Gawler deli known for alleged illegal tobacco sales targeted by arsonists","A Gawler deli reported by media as well known for selling illegal tobacco was targeted by arsonists. South Australia Police later announced arson arrests linked to a major Gawler fire. The attack was reported as part of the state's illicit tobacco conflict.",-34.59731,138.74911,"Gawler",[5494,5497],{"id":5495,"url":5496,"outlet":2982,"published_on":5487},428,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002F7NEWSAdelaide\u002Fvideos\u002Fa-gawler-deli-well-known-for-selling-illegal-tobacco-has-been-targeted-by-arsoni\u002F1566541687849514\u002F",{"id":5498,"url":5499,"outlet":5077,"published_on":16},712,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.weeklytimesnow.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fsouth-australia\u002Ffire-ripped-through-the-roof-space-of-a-gawler-deli-early-on-wednesday-morning-sa-police-investigating\u002Fnews-story\u002F5928ec1650a03c3b7f7d146702b16edd",{"id":5139,"occurred_on":5501,"incident_type":209,"title":5502,"summary":5503,"lat":5094,"lng":5095,"location_precision":547,"suburb":5096,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5504},"2025-11-07","Car rammed into Mentone tobacco shop before flammable liquid set alight","Detectives investigated a suspicious fire at a tobacco shop on Como Parade West after a car was allegedly crashed into the business about 10:50pm and a flammable liquid was set alight inside. The alleged offenders drove off in a white four-wheel-drive. Fire crews extinguished the blaze, which caused extensive damage; no one was injured. Treated as part of the ongoing illicit-tobacco turf conflict.",[5505,5508,5511],{"id":5506,"url":5507,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},429,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbournes-tobacco-turf-wars-mentone-shop-destroyed-in-third-firebombing-attack-in-six-weeks-c-20616916",{"id":5509,"url":5510,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},430,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbourne-tobacco-shop-firebombed-after-extortion-threats-bc-6399788435112",{"id":5512,"url":5513,"outlet":118,"published_on":5514},431,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-investigate-mentone-tobacco-shop-fire-1566563\u002F","2025-11-08",{"id":5516,"occurred_on":5501,"incident_type":42,"title":5517,"summary":5518,"lat":5519,"lng":5520,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1995,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5521},652,"Police raid Belmont service station and seize vapes and cash","Police raided a Belmont service station and seized a large quantity of illegal vapes and cash as part of action against unlawful tobacco-related sales. Local reporting frames the raid within the wider illicit product crackdown.",-38.1789,144.34209,[5522],{"id":5523,"url":5524,"outlet":2834,"published_on":16},844,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.geelongadvertiser.com.au\u002Fsubscribe\u002Fnews\u002F1\u002F?sourceCode=GAWEB_WRE170_a_GGN&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geelongadvertiser.com.au%2Fnews%2Fgeelong%2Ftwo-charged-after-police-raid-belmont-petrol-station%2Fnews-story%2Fa60aa7beda18bbcb542be54dde6d1f13&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium",{"id":5151,"occurred_on":5514,"incident_type":256,"title":5526,"summary":5527,"lat":5528,"lng":5529,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5257,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5530},"Repeated arson and ram-raids on a York tobacco shop","A tobacco shop on Avon Terrace, York, in WA's Wheatbelt, was targeted in three separate incidents on 31 October, 8 November and 26 November 2025, including forced entry causing extensive damage, a vehicle ramming the storefront, and an alleged arson attack. Police alleged the business was linked to illicit tobacco products. Taskforce Maverick detectives charged a man over the York attacks alongside the related Midland case.",-31.888,116.767,[5531,5532],{"id":5261,"url":5262,"outlet":5263,"published_on":16},{"id":3910,"url":3911,"outlet":3912,"published_on":3913},{"id":5159,"occurred_on":5534,"incident_type":349,"title":5535,"summary":5536,"lat":889,"lng":890,"location_precision":13,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5537},"2025-11-15","Fifth shooting hits Glenroy tobacco shop","Police say bullets were fired into a car and a tobacco shop in Glenroy in the early hours of the morning, the fifth shooting linked to Melbourne's ongoing tobacco war to target the business.",[5538],{"id":5539,"url":5540,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},432,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Fnews\u002Ffifth-shooting-hits-glenroy-tobacco-shop-bc-6384125972112",{"id":5169,"occurred_on":5534,"incident_type":27,"title":5542,"summary":5543,"lat":5544,"lng":5545,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5257,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5546},"Vandals smash windows at York tobacco-linked convenience store","Less than three days after a convenience store opened on York's historic main street, multiple people allegedly smashed its windows and caused extensive damage inside; police later linked the shop to illegal tobacco trading.",-31.889957,116.76843,[5547],{"id":5459,"url":5460,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5191,"occurred_on":5549,"incident_type":67,"title":5550,"summary":5551,"lat":5552,"lng":5553,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5554,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5555},"2025-11-18","Alleged organised crime figure charged after WA-Victoria-NSW illicit tobacco investigation","WA Police's Transnational Serious and Organised Crime Squad executed a search warrant at a Mount Pleasant residence, seizing luxury items worth more than $1 million including two vehicles, and charged a man under Commonwealth proceeds-of-crime law over an alleged illicit tobacco network spanning WA, Victoria and NSW linked to violent incidents at Perth tobacco stores.",-32.0206,115.8425,"Mount Pleasant",[5556,5557,5560,5564],{"id":4645,"url":4646,"outlet":4647,"published_on":4648},{"id":5558,"url":5559,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},713,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-11-19\u002Fperth-man-charged-over-organised-crime-tobacco-store-attacks\u002F106028446",{"id":5561,"url":5562,"outlet":5563,"published_on":16},714,"https:\u002F\u002Fwamnnews.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fman-charged-over-multi-state-illicit-tobacco-empire-after-major-police-raids\u002F","WAMN News",{"id":5565,"url":5566,"outlet":2380,"published_on":16},853,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.watoday.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fwestern-australia\u002Fperth-brother-of-exiled-crime-boss-has-luxury-cars-seized-after-police-bust-alleged-commercial-scale-tobacco-ring-20251119-p5ngpk.html",{"id":5568,"occurred_on":4648,"incident_type":67,"title":5569,"summary":5570,"lat":2338,"lng":2339,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2340,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5571},661,"Perth man charged and high-value assets seized in illicit tobacco probe","A Perth man was charged and luxury vehicles and other property were seized in a tobacco-wars related organised-crime investigation. Police linked the case to alleged commercial illicit tobacco activity.",[5572],{"id":5573,"url":5574,"outlet":4912,"published_on":16},858,"https:\u002F\u002Fthewest.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fcourt-justice\u002Fperth-tobacco-wars-brother-of-kazem-hamad-maytham-hamad-charged-lamborghinis-designer-clothes-seized--c-20725894",{"id":5576,"occurred_on":5577,"incident_type":42,"title":5578,"summary":5579,"lat":5580,"lng":5581,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5582,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5583},657,"2025-11-20","Highton tobacco store raided and woman arrested","A Highton tobacco store was raided and a woman arrested amid concerns about illegal tobacco sales. Reporting places it among a series of Geelong-area tobacco retail enforcement actions.",-38.170887,144.31912,"Highton",[5584],{"id":5585,"url":5586,"outlet":2834,"published_on":16},849,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.geelongadvertiser.com.au\u002Fsubscribe\u002Fnews\u002F1\u002F?sourceCode=GAWEB_WRE170_a_GGN&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geelongadvertiser.com.au%2Fnews%2Fgeelong%2Fhighton-tobacco-store-raided-woman-arrested%2Fnews-story%2F13ee9e19b2708f97bb5189364c54aff1&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium",{"id":5230,"occurred_on":5577,"incident_type":89,"title":5588,"summary":5589,"lat":5590,"lng":5591,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5592,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5593},"Forster tobacconist ram-raided overnight","Police allege a tobacconist in Forster was ram-raided overnight, with three offenders caught on CCTV fleeing with thousands of dollars in cash and cigarettes. NSW Police appealed for public information. The ram-raid followed a pattern of similar attacks on tobacco retailers across regional NSW amid organised-crime competition over the illicit tobacco trade, though no specific organised-crime link had been confirmed for this incident at time of reporting.",-32.1814,152.5145,"Forster",[5594,5597],{"id":5595,"url":5596,"outlet":2262,"published_on":5577},433,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nbnnews.com.au\u002F2025\u002F11\u002F20\u002Fforster-tobacconist-ram-raided\u002F",{"id":5598,"url":5599,"outlet":5600,"published_on":16},434,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.greatlakesadvocate.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9115874\u002Fforster-shop-ram-raid-nissan-crashes-into-tobacconist\u002F","Great Lakes Advocate",{"id":5245,"occurred_on":5602,"incident_type":42,"title":5603,"summary":5604,"lat":339,"lng":340,"location_precision":13,"suburb":341,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5605},"2025-11-21","Queensland raids force illegal vape and tobacco stores to close","Queensland Health and police raided and shut down tobacconists suspected of selling illegal vapes and tobacco across the state, including a store in Bundaberg, using new powers allowing 90-day closures. Within a fortnight at least one supplier had shifted to online ordering and same-day delivery on the Gold Coast.",[5606,5609,5612],{"id":5607,"url":5608,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},435,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-12-05\u002Fvape-delivery-services-online-after-qld-tobacconist-raids\u002F106106928",{"id":5610,"url":5611,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},437,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-11-27\u002Fqueensland-health-shuts-down-tobacco-stores-across-state\u002F106054716",{"id":5613,"url":5614,"outlet":4739,"published_on":16},716,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thechronicle.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fqueensland\u002Fbundaberg\u002Fnew-queensland-tobacco-laws-spark-wave-of-raids-and-smoke-shop-closures\u002Fnews-story\u002Ff09104ad6ab7d9e6f5050568cecaf802",{"id":5261,"occurred_on":5616,"incident_type":256,"title":5617,"summary":5618,"lat":5544,"lng":5545,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5257,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5619},"2025-11-23","Car rammed into York store before it was set alight","Eight days after vandals smashed the windows of a York convenience store linked to illegal tobacco trading, police allege a car was deliberately driven into the shop's facade and the store was set on fire, though the blaze did not spread to neighbouring heritage buildings.",[5620],{"id":5459,"url":5460,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5269,"occurred_on":5622,"incident_type":209,"title":5623,"summary":5624,"lat":5528,"lng":5625,"location_precision":547,"suburb":3182,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5626},"2025-11-24","Midland tobacconist rammed and firebombed on Great Eastern Highway","In the early hours of 24 November 2025, a group of men in blue coveralls allegedly used a stolen red Hyundai as a battering ram against the roller door of a Great Eastern Highway tobacconist in Midland, then used jerrycans of fuel to set the storefront ablaze. No one was injured. Detectives from Taskforce Maverick, formed to target the illicit tobacco trade, later charged two men. Police noted an earlier ram-and-fire attack on a different Midland tobacconist in November 2024.",116.008,[5627,5631,5632],{"id":5628,"url":5629,"outlet":5263,"published_on":5630},436,"https:\u002F\u002Fechonewspaper.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Farson-attack-on-midland-tobacco-shop-escalates-organised-crime-fears\u002F","2025-11-27",{"id":5261,"url":5262,"outlet":5263,"published_on":16},{"id":5633,"url":5634,"outlet":4912,"published_on":16},851,"https:\u002F\u002Fthewest.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fpolice\u002Ftobacco-wars-midland-tobacconist-damaged-in-suspected-arson-attack-on-great-eastern-highway-c-20774566",{"id":5281,"occurred_on":5622,"incident_type":42,"title":5636,"summary":5637,"lat":4355,"lng":4356,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4357,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5638},"Queensland Health and police shut down tobacco stores in statewide sweep","Health officials and police raided and ordered 90-day closures of tobacconists suspected of selling illicit tobacco and vapes across Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Kingaroy, the Sunshine Coast, Townsville and other regional towns, under new enforcement powers.",[5639],{"id":5610,"url":5611,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5303,"occurred_on":5641,"incident_type":256,"title":5642,"summary":5643,"lat":3180,"lng":3181,"location_precision":547,"suburb":3182,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5644},"2025-11-25","Second Midland tobacconist ram-raided and firebombed","Police allege a group of men in blue coveralls used a red Hyundai to ram a Midland tobacconist's roller door before igniting the storefront with jerrycans of fuel, causing severe damage; no injuries were reported. This followed a similar 2024 attack on another Midland tobacco outlet, and WA's Premier said the state was working on tougher laws in response.",[5645],{"id":5628,"url":5629,"outlet":5263,"published_on":5630},{"id":5313,"occurred_on":5647,"incident_type":256,"title":5648,"summary":5649,"lat":5255,"lng":5256,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5257,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5650},"2025-11-26","Alleged arson attack at York, third incident in two months","Police allege an arson attack occurred at a York business linked to the illicit tobacco trade on 26 November 2025, the third recorded attack on premises in the town within a two-month span.",[5651,5652],{"id":3910,"url":3911,"outlet":3912,"published_on":3913},{"id":5261,"url":5262,"outlet":5263,"published_on":16},{"id":5316,"occurred_on":5654,"incident_type":256,"title":5655,"summary":5656,"lat":5657,"lng":5658,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5659,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5660},"2025-11-28","Burning car found inside Perth beauty salon in suspected targeted attack","Police and firefighters were called to a shopping strip in Orelia, Perth, after a burning car was found inside a beauty salon. Police were investigating the incident as a targeted attack and examining possible links to the illicit tobacco trade, given the corner shop next door had previously sold vaping products before closing earlier in the year.",-32.233093,115.822365,"Orelia",[5661,5662],{"id":4939,"url":4940,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":3910,"url":3911,"outlet":3912,"published_on":3913},{"id":5336,"occurred_on":5664,"incident_type":8,"title":5665,"summary":5666,"lat":1952,"lng":1953,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1954,"state":1252,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5667},"2025-11-29","AFP restrains $8.4m in assets from alleged NT tobacco trader","The AFP's Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce applied to the Northern Territory Supreme Court under the Proceeds of Crime Act to restrain about $8.4 million in assets - including properties, vehicles and a jet ski - from a Queensland man linked to the 2024 illicit tobacco seizures, after investigators alleged his assets exceeded his declared income.",[5668,5669],{"id":1957,"url":1958,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5670,"url":5671,"outlet":77,"published_on":16},717,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ntnews.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-nt\u002Ffederal-police-swoop-on-illegal-tobacco-trade-engulfing-the-nt\u002Fnews-story\u002F5771f7e92a588db2cb28abbd2ce790b5",{"id":5340,"occurred_on":713,"incident_type":42,"title":5673,"summary":5674,"lat":1952,"lng":1953,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5675,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5676},"Queensland shuts down 148 illicit tobacco stores in record crackdown","In what the state government described as Australia's largest ever coordinated enforcement action, Queensland authorities seized more than 11 million illegal cigarettes, 1.7 tonnes of loose tobacco and 87,000 vapes worth a reported $15.7 million, and ordered 148 stores to close for three months.","Queensland",[5677,5678],{"id":5449,"url":5450,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5679,"url":5680,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},438,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-12-24\u002Fqld-illicit-tobacco-unpaid-fines-health-smoking\u002F106170904",{"id":5351,"occurred_on":713,"incident_type":42,"title":5682,"summary":5683,"lat":5684,"lng":5685,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5686,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5687},"Police raid Northam convenience store over illicit tobacco","Transnational Serious and Organised Crime detectives raided a convenience store on Fitzgerald Street, Northam, next door to a youth mental health facility, allegedly seizing a large amount of tobacco products including vapes. A man was charged and listed to appear before Northam Magistrates Court on January 27, 2026.",-31.652796,116.67244,"Northam",[5688],{"id":5459,"url":5460,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5385,"occurred_on":713,"incident_type":42,"title":5690,"summary":5691,"lat":4844,"lng":4845,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4846,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5692},"Operation Major: record 148 illicit tobacco\u002Fvape stores closed statewide","In a 10-day statewide blitz, Queensland Health and police issued 148 stores with three-month closure orders and seized illegal tobacco and vapes worth more than $15.7 million, including 11.8 million cigarettes and 1.7 tonnes of loose tobacco - described as the largest illicit tobacco\u002Fvape enforcement operation in Australian history, enabled by new laws letting Queensland Health shut stores without a court order.",[5693,5696],{"id":5694,"url":5695,"outlet":1363,"published_on":16},439,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theaustralian.com.au\u002Fnation\u002Fqueensland-government-seizes-more-than-15m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-vapes-in-record-blitz\u002Fnews-story\u002Feda144879eb5ccff9887b9ebb3b415b0",{"id":5697,"url":5698,"outlet":5699,"published_on":5700},440,"https:\u002F\u002Ftobaccoreporter.com\u002F2025\u002F12\u002F09\u002Fqueensland-shuts-148-stores-seizes-10-4m-in-10-day-blitz\u002F","Tobacco Reporter","2025-12-09",{"id":5389,"occurred_on":713,"incident_type":42,"title":5702,"summary":5703,"lat":3002,"lng":3003,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3004,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5704},"Illicit tobacco raids across regional South Australia","Authorities seized illegal tobacco products worth a combined $1.2m in raids across regional South Australia in December, part of a widening interstate enforcement effort against the illicit tobacco trade.",[5705],{"id":5706,"url":5707,"outlet":1363,"published_on":16},441,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theaustralian.com.au\u002Fnation\u002Fborder-force-claims-excise-is-making-illicit-tobacco-too-lucrative-for-criminals\u002Fnews-story\u002F322873d63d7653ae90dd8b9c69cbaf1e",{"id":5397,"occurred_on":713,"incident_type":42,"title":5709,"summary":5710,"lat":5711,"lng":5712,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4449,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5713},"Regional crackdown issues 17 closure orders across the state's north","Consumer and Business Services, backed by SAPOL's Operation Eclipse, inspected stores across the Mid North, Yorke Peninsula and West Coast (1–4 December), issuing 28-day closure orders to 17 stores in Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Port Lincoln, Moonta, Kadina and Wallaroo, and seizing $1.2 million in illicit tobacco and vapes.",-33.0333,137.5667,[5714],{"id":5715,"url":5716,"outlet":118,"published_on":5717},442,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002F1-2-million-seized-in-illicit-tobacco-operation-1588983\u002F","2025-12-12",{"id":5404,"occurred_on":713,"incident_type":42,"title":5719,"summary":5720,"lat":5721,"lng":5722,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5723,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5724},"Police raid tobacco shop at Stockland Wendouree, Ballarat","Victoria Police executed a search warrant at a tobacconist in the Stockland Wendouree shopping centre in Ballarat as part of an investigation into the illegal tobacco trade, seizing alleged illicit tobacco from the premises. The investigation was ongoing.",-37.5361,143.834,"Wendouree",[5725],{"id":5726,"url":5727,"outlet":4349,"published_on":713},443,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thecourier.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9124104\u002Fpolice-raid-tobacco-shop-in-stockland-wendouree\u002F",{"id":5729,"occurred_on":713,"incident_type":42,"title":5730,"summary":5731,"lat":4606,"lng":4607,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4608,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5732},655,"Illicit tobacco shops raided and shut down in Cairns","Health authorities raided alleged illicit tobacco stores in the Cairns area and shut premises under tougher laws. Coverage warned of possible wider market impacts from the crackdown.",[5733],{"id":5734,"url":5735,"outlet":4613,"published_on":16},847,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cairnspost.com.au\u002Fsubscribe\u002Fnews\u002F1\u002F?sourceCode=CPWEB_WRE170_a_GGN&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cairnspost.com.au%2Fnews%2Fcairns%2Fcairns-illicit-tobacco-shops-raided-and-shut-down-under-tough-new-laws%2Fnews-story%2Fec1b101a7847458accdd7d36678a5783&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium",{"id":5449,"occurred_on":5737,"incident_type":209,"title":5738,"summary":5739,"lat":5740,"lng":5741,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5742,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5743},"2025-12-02","Reported firebombing in Maddington","Police allege a firebombing occurred at a Maddington premises linked to the illicit tobacco trade in December 2025, part of a cluster of arson and firearm incidents across Perth suburbs cited in state parliamentary debate on organised crime.",-32.050037,115.98894,"Maddington",[5744,5745],{"id":4939,"url":4940,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":3910,"url":3911,"outlet":3912,"published_on":3913},{"id":5747,"occurred_on":5748,"incident_type":256,"title":5749,"summary":5750,"lat":5751,"lng":5752,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5753,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5754},656,"2025-12-04","Gosnells store on Albany Highway set alight amid illicit-tobacco feuds","Police probed a fire at a Gosnells gifts store on Albany Highway after it was set alight. Reporting places the blaze in the context of escalating illicit-tobacco related attacks in WA.",-32.07324,116.00089,"Gosnells",[5755],{"id":5756,"url":5757,"outlet":4912,"published_on":16},848,"https:\u002F\u002Fthewest.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fcrime\u002Ftobacco-wars-gosnells-gifts-store-on-albany-highway-set-alight-amid-escalating-illicit-tobacco-feuds-c-20890520",{"id":5459,"occurred_on":5759,"incident_type":349,"title":5760,"summary":5761,"lat":4935,"lng":4936,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3907,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5762},"2025-12-05","Gunman fires shots at Perth candy shop in suspected stand-over attack","A gunman fired at least one shot at a candy store at a shopping complex on Illawarra Crescent in Ballajura, Perth, in the early hours of the morning. Police believe the shooting was a stand-over tactic by an organised crime network involved in the illegal tobacco trade, in retaliation against people believed to have assisted police. The same store had previously been shot at and set alight in August 2025.",[5763,5764],{"id":4939,"url":4940,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":3910,"url":3911,"outlet":3912,"published_on":3913},{"id":5470,"occurred_on":5766,"incident_type":42,"title":5767,"summary":5768,"lat":5769,"lng":5770,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4435,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5771},"2025-12-08","$150m money-laundering network tied to illicit tobacco dismantled","A joint AFP-NSW Police investigation into a money-laundering network allegedly linked to large-scale illicit tobacco importation executed 14 search warrants across western Sydney, including Auburn, Burwood, Chester Hill, Dundas Valley, Merrylands and Wentworth Point. About 10 tonnes\u002F2.1 million illicit cigarettes, over $200,000 cash and firearms were seized (including a truck intercepted on Christina Road, Chester Hill), and four men were charged in connection with laundering more than $150 million.",-33.8497,151.0331,[5772,5776],{"id":5773,"url":5774,"outlet":4626,"published_on":5775},444,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theaustraliatoday.com.au\u002Fpolice-smash-150m-sydney-money-laundering-syndicate-ring-tied-to-illegal-tobacco-trade\u002F","2025-12-10",{"id":5777,"url":5778,"outlet":85,"published_on":16},718,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.smh.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fnsw\u002Fpolice-swoop-on-alleged-150m-sydney-tobacco-syndicate-20251209-p5nm3q.html",{"id":5495,"occurred_on":5780,"incident_type":209,"title":5781,"summary":5782,"lat":5783,"lng":5784,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1351,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5785},"2025-12-15","Sunshine West tobacco store firebombed twice in five days","Police say a convenience store selling tobacco in Sunshine West, which opened the previous year opposite a primary school, was firebombed twice within a five-day period amid Melbourne's ongoing tobacco conflict.",-37.798435,144.81131,[5786],{"id":5787,"url":5788,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},445,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Fnews\u002Ftobacco-shop-firebombed-twice-in-five-days-bc-6387978217112",{"id":5506,"occurred_on":5780,"incident_type":256,"title":5790,"summary":5791,"lat":5792,"lng":5793,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5794,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5795},"Attempted firebombing of Swan Hill store after threatening note","Detectives allege offenders attempted to light a firebomb at a regional Victorian store in Swan Hill, weeks after a note demanding the owner make contact via encrypted messaging was left at the storefront. The firebomb reportedly failed to ignite.",-35.340546,143.5615,"Swan Hill",[5796,5797],{"id":5303,"url":5304,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5798,"url":5799,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},719,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-12-20\u002Ftobacco-shop-owner-refusing-to-cooperate-with-police-after-sign\u002F106162026",{"id":5801,"occurred_on":5780,"incident_type":67,"title":5802,"summary":5803,"lat":5804,"lng":5805,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3182,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5806},659,"Second arrest over Midland tobacconist arson attack","WA Police serious and organised crime investigators arrested a second man over the arson attack on a Midland tobacco store. The case sits within the wider illicit-tobacco conflict response in the state.",-31.889845,116.00282,[5807],{"id":5808,"url":5809,"outlet":4912,"published_on":16},852,"https:\u002F\u002Fthewest.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fcrime\u002Fmidland-tobacconist-serious-and-organised-crime-division-arrest-second-man-over-tobacco-store-arson-c-21020769",{"id":5811,"occurred_on":5812,"incident_type":42,"title":5813,"summary":5814,"lat":5815,"lng":5816,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5817,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5818},544,"2025-12-16","Gold Coast raids smash $2m illicit cigarette network linked to organised crime","Officers from the Australian Border Force Illicit Tobacco Task Force, supported by the AFP and Queensland Health, executed warrants on two storage units at Robina and Burleigh that police allege were linked to an organised crime network. Around 1.1 million illicit cigarettes and 9,000 illegal vapes were seized, worth about $2 million in street value and evaded duty. Investigators said the network was importing illicit tobacco and running retail outlets across Queensland and northern NSW, with profits funnelled back to organised crime.",-28.075123,153.39182,"Robina",[5819],{"id":5820,"url":5821,"outlet":3844,"published_on":16},581,"https:\u002F\u002Facapmag.com.au\u002F2025\u002F12\u002F2m-illegal-cigarette-network-smashed-in-gold-coast-raids\u002F",{"id":5509,"occurred_on":5823,"incident_type":42,"title":5824,"summary":5825,"lat":1429,"lng":1430,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1431,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5826},"2025-12-18","More than $1 million in illegal vapes seized in Bendigo raid","The Therapeutic Goods Administration, assisted by Victoria Police, executed search warrants at a Williamson Street business in Bendigo and at the owners' residence, seizing more than 15,000 vapes and related equipment with an estimated value of over $1 million, following an investigation into the alleged illegal supply and manufacture of vaping substances. The allegations are yet to be tested in court.",[5827,5831],{"id":5828,"url":5829,"outlet":1449,"published_on":5830},446,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bendigoadvertiser.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9141309\u002Ftga-seizes-more-than-1m-in-illegal-vapes-during-bendigo-raid\u002F","2025-12-24",{"id":5832,"url":5833,"outlet":4349,"published_on":16},720,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thecourier.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9141309\u002Ftga-seizes-more-than-1m-in-illegal-vapes-during-bendigo-raid\u002F",{"id":5512,"occurred_on":5835,"incident_type":256,"title":5836,"summary":5837,"lat":5838,"lng":5839,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4257,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5840},"2025-12-22","Teenager charged over Perth convenience store arson","Police allege a convenience store in Baldivis, Perth, was set ablaze after a person doused the front of the store with petrol from a jerry can and set it alight; two staff sleeping inside ran to try to extinguish the fire. A boy was charged over the attack, with prosecutors alleging he had travelled to the scene with two older males and warning he could face threats from an organised crime network if granted bail.",-32.33439,115.81356,[5841,5844,5847],{"id":5842,"url":5843,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},447,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-01-06\u002Fteen-charged-arson-attack-baldivis-convenience-store\u002F106204496",{"id":5845,"url":5846,"outlet":2380,"published_on":16},843,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.watoday.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fwestern-australia\u002Fteenager-accused-of-arson-attack-on-shop-linked-to-wa-s-illegal-tobacco-market-20251223-p5npup.html",{"id":3910,"url":3911,"outlet":3912,"published_on":3913},{"id":5539,"occurred_on":5849,"incident_type":89,"title":5850,"summary":5851,"lat":5792,"lng":5793,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5794,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5852},"2025-12-27","Swan Hill EZ Mart tobacco shop rammed after failed firebomb attempt","About 1.50am on Saturday 27 December 2025, a Mazda CX-5 rammed the EZ Mart tobacco shop in Swan Hill while two men were inside, causing extensive damage. Police said evidence indicated a failed firebomb attempt before the ram. Earlier in December a shakedown note had been taped to the shop demanding the owner contact an organised-crime group via WhatsApp. Police explicitly linked the attack to Victoria's illicit tobacco wars. Offenders fled south along the Murray Valley Highway.",[5853],{"id":5854,"url":5855,"outlet":252,"published_on":5856},448,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2025-12-29\u002Ftobacco-shop-rammed-failed-firebomb-attempt-after-note-left\u002F106184112","2025-12-29",{"id":5595,"occurred_on":5858,"incident_type":209,"title":5859,"summary":5860,"lat":3335,"lng":5861,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5242,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5862},"2025-12-31","Convenience store destroyed by suspicious New Year's Eve fire at Longwarry","Emergency services responded about 4:30am to a fire at a Kennedy Street convenience store in Longwarry, West Gippsland. Police said footage showed a vehicle arrive before a person entered carrying jerry cans, followed by a large explosion; a jerry can was left at the scene. The business was destroyed and the blaze was investigated as suspicious and possibly linked to illicit-tobacco issues.",145.75,[5863],{"id":5864,"url":5865,"outlet":5247,"published_on":5866},449,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thegazette.com.au\u002Fsuspicious-shop-fire\u002F","2026-01-06",{"id":5598,"occurred_on":5868,"incident_type":67,"title":5869,"summary":5870,"lat":5544,"lng":5545,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5257,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5871},"2026-01-01","Man charged over York tobacco shop attacks","Police charged a man over all three incidents at the York convenience store - the window smashing, the vehicle ramming and the arson - with the matter listed for Perth Magistrates Court.",[5872],{"id":5459,"url":5460,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5607,"occurred_on":5874,"incident_type":209,"title":5875,"summary":5876,"lat":5454,"lng":5455,"location_precision":547,"suburb":5456,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5877},"2026-01-04","Bunbury convenience store firebombed, four businesses destroyed","Emergency services responded to a suspected arson at a Spencer Street convenience store, believed to sell illegal vapes and tobacco, around 3:40am; the fire spread and destroyed four businesses including a dentist and beauty salon. No injuries were reported and police are treating it as part of the wider suspected tobacco-war firebombing pattern reaching regional WA.",[5878,5881,5884,5887,5890,5893],{"id":5879,"url":5880,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},450,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-01-15\u002Falleged-tobacco-firebomber-charged\u002F106228292",{"id":5882,"url":5883,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},451,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-01-15\u002Fillicit-tobacco-neighbours-businesses-fear-damage\u002F106224842",{"id":5885,"url":5886,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},452,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-01-06\u002Fpolice-raid-tobacco-shop-bunbury-after-vape-store-incident\u002F106199506",{"id":5888,"url":5889,"outlet":2380,"published_on":16},863,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.watoday.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fwestern-australia\u002Finnocent-bunbury-businesses-destroyed-in-suspected-tobacco-war-firebombing-20260105-p5nrok.html",{"id":5891,"url":5892,"outlet":4912,"published_on":16},864,"https:\u002F\u002Fthewest.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fcrime\u002Fbunbury-firebombing-convenience-store-blaze-on-spencer-street-fuels-fears-of-wa-illicit-vape-war-c-21202315",{"id":5894,"url":5895,"outlet":5896,"published_on":5897},453,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.coastlive.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Flocal-news\u002Fbunbury-businesses-destroyed-in-suspected-tobacco-war-firebombing\u002F","97.3 Coast FM \u002F ACM","2026-01-05",{"id":5628,"occurred_on":5866,"incident_type":42,"title":5899,"summary":5900,"lat":5454,"lng":5455,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5456,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5901},"Police raid Bunbury tobacco shop days after nearby firebombing","Police raided a tobacco store in Bunbury, seizing vapes and cigarettes, less than 72 hours after a different nearby shop was suspected to have been firebombed. The store reopened within 20 minutes of police leaving.",[5902],{"id":5885,"url":5886,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5904,"occurred_on":5866,"incident_type":67,"title":5905,"summary":5906,"lat":5838,"lng":5839,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4257,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5907},663,"Person charged over alleged Baldivis store firebombing linked to tobacco conflict","Police opposed bail for a person allegedly involved in the firebombing of a Baldivis store, with reporting tying the attack to WA’s illicit tobacco conflict and alleged organised-crime recruitment.",[5908],{"id":5909,"url":5910,"outlet":4912,"published_on":16},861,"https:\u002F\u002Fthewest.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fwa\u002Fpolice-oppose-bail-for-teen-allegedly-recruited-for-wa-tobacco-gang-firebombing-of-baldivis-store-c-21223595",{"id":5610,"occurred_on":5912,"incident_type":256,"title":5913,"summary":5914,"lat":5915,"lng":5916,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5917,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5918},"2026-01-07","Malvern car wash firebombed after break-in","Police allege a car wash on Unley Road, Malvern, was broken into on January 1, 2026, with a fuel can left inside, before a fire was deliberately lit there on January 7, causing extensive damage. SA Police allege the attack was directed by organised crime figures linked to the illicit tobacco trade.",-34.959614,138.61255,"Malvern",[5919],{"id":5920,"url":5921,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},454,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-07-03\u002Fsa-police-link-arson-attacks-with-shooting\u002F106875562",{"id":5679,"occurred_on":5923,"incident_type":209,"title":5924,"summary":5925,"lat":5926,"lng":5927,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5928,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5929},"2026-01-10","Reservoir tobacco store ram-raided and firebombed","Police allege an arsonist ram-raided a convenience store on Broadway in Reservoir but was unable to breach the shop's security grilles before setting the store alight, amid Melbourne's ongoing illicit tobacco conflict.",-37.71314,145.0082,"Reservoir",[5930],{"id":5931,"url":5932,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},455,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Fnews\u002Freservoir-store-firebombed-amid-ongoing-tobacco-wars-bc-6388075343112",{"id":5934,"occurred_on":5923,"incident_type":8,"title":5935,"summary":5936,"lat":5937,"lng":5938,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5939,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5940},666,"Court hears case after huge illicit tobacco and vape seizure in Cockburn Central","A person pleaded guilty in Perth Magistrates Court to selling tobacco without a licence after police seized tens of thousands of cigarettes, more than a thousand nicotine vapes and loose tobacco from a Cockburn Central tobacconist. The raid was carried out by the Transnational Serious Organised Crime Squad.",-32.122475,115.85127,"Cockburn Central",[5941,5944],{"id":5942,"url":5943,"outlet":4912,"published_on":16},866,"https:\u002F\u002Fthewest.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fcourt-justice\u002Fillegal-tobacco-underpaid-overseas-student-sneha-kharal-takes-the-fall-in-enormous-illicit-cigarette-raid-c-21212585",{"id":5945,"url":5946,"outlet":4626,"published_on":16},867,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theaustraliatoday.com.au\u002Funderpaid-international-student-from-nepal-took-the-fall-in-massive-illegal-tobacco-raid-court-hears\u002F",{"id":5694,"occurred_on":5948,"incident_type":256,"title":5949,"summary":5950,"lat":5951,"lng":5952,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5953,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5954},"2026-01-12","Payneham office block destroyed in $3m arson attack","A fire at an office block on Payneham Road, Payneham, on January 12, 2026, caused an estimated $3 million in damage. SA Police allege the arson was directed by serious organised crime figures and is linked to other tobacco-trade-related attacks in Adelaide.",-34.89862,138.64232,"Payneham",[5955],{"id":5920,"url":5921,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5697,"occurred_on":4776,"incident_type":256,"title":5957,"summary":5958,"lat":4768,"lng":4769,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4770,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5959},"Huntingdale tobacco store destroyed in second arson attack","Police allege a Huntingdale tobacco store (Ashtar WA) was destroyed by fire at approximately 3:15am, the second arson attack on the same store within six months; arson squad detectives linked it to organised extortion and the illicit tobacco trade in Perth. The Lord Mayor publicly urged faster action on tobacco laws following the attack.",[5960,5961,5964],{"id":4773,"url":4774,"outlet":4775,"published_on":4776},{"id":5962,"url":5963,"outlet":4912,"published_on":16},870,"https:\u002F\u002Fthewest.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fwa\u002Fashtar-wa-tobacco-fire-suspected-arson-attack-damages-tobacco-store-in-huntingdale-shopping-complex-c-21301954",{"id":5965,"url":5966,"outlet":2380,"published_on":16},871,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.watoday.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fwestern-australia\u002Fhuntingdale-tobacco-shop-destroyed-by-fire-overnight-20260114-p5nty9.html",{"id":5706,"occurred_on":4776,"incident_type":256,"title":5968,"summary":5969,"lat":5970,"lng":5971,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5972,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5973},"First of four arsons at Celeber Road Andergrove tobacco business","About 4:40am on 13 January, police and emergency services were called to a Celeber Road business in Andergrove after a fire at the rear of the building. A crime scene was declared at 5:40am. Queensland Police later released CCTV as part of an appeal covering four fires at the same tobacco-linked premises.",-21.08989,149.19058,"Andergrove",[5974],{"id":5975,"url":5976,"outlet":1029,"published_on":5977},456,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026\u002F03\u002F03\u002Farson-appeal-andergrove\u002F","2026-03-03",{"id":5715,"occurred_on":5979,"incident_type":256,"title":5980,"summary":5981,"lat":5982,"lng":5983,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4770,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5984},"2026-01-14","Suspected arson at Perth convenience store in Huntingdale","A suspected arson attack occurred at a shop in Huntingdale, in Perth's south, as part of a spate of suspected firebombings at stores linked to the illicit tobacco trade.",-32.08322,115.9647,[5985,5986],{"id":5879,"url":5880,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5882,"url":5883,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5726,"occurred_on":5988,"incident_type":256,"title":5989,"summary":5990,"lat":4935,"lng":4936,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3907,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5991},"2026-01-15","Suspected firebombing at Perth shop targeted multiple times","Police were alerted to a fire at a shop on Illawarra Crescent in Ballajura, Perth, in the early hours of the morning; fire crews extinguished the blaze before significant damage occurred. The store had been attacked multiple times before.",[5992],{"id":5879,"url":5880,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5773,"occurred_on":5988,"incident_type":42,"title":5994,"summary":5995,"lat":5996,"lng":5997,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5998,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":5999},"AFP raid seizes cash, tobacco in WA family tobacco investigation","AFP officers searched homes, storage units and a tobacconist in Mandurah, Busselton and Bunbury, seizing about $1 million in cash, five tonnes of tobacco products and around 30,000 vape products, and arrested three family members police allege were linked to an illicit tobacco and vape supply network.",-32.52993,115.720566,"Mandurah",[6000],{"id":6001,"url":6002,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},457,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-01-16\u002Ffamily-members-arrested-by-afp-after-alleged-illegal-tobacco\u002F106239172",{"id":5787,"occurred_on":5988,"incident_type":42,"title":6004,"summary":6005,"lat":4672,"lng":4673,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2340,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6006},"AFP seizes $1 million cash and five tonnes of illicit tobacco in WA","The AFP arrested and charged a family trio (a woman, her father and her son-in-law) after executing search warrants at homes, storage units and a tobacconist across Perth's southern suburbs and the South-West, seizing about $1 million in cash, five tonnes of tobacco products and almost 30,000 vapes.",[6007,6010,6013],{"id":6008,"url":6009,"outlet":4626,"published_on":5988},458,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theaustraliatoday.com.au\u002Ffamily-trio-charged-after-afp-seizes-1m-cash-and-five-tonnes-of-illicit-tobacco-in-wa-raids\u002F",{"id":6011,"url":6012,"outlet":2380,"published_on":16},868,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.watoday.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fwestern-australia\u002F1-million-five-tonnes-wa-family-charged-over-alleged-role-in-tobacco-syndicate-20260116-p5nuo1.html",{"id":6014,"url":6015,"outlet":4912,"published_on":16},869,"https:\u002F\u002Fthewest.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fwa\u002Fbrian-tanzo-zeanah-kanjou-and-ahmad-el-ahmad-charged-as-part-of-probe-into-alleged-wa-illicit-smoke-operation-c-21328532",{"id":5828,"occurred_on":6017,"incident_type":8,"title":6018,"summary":6019,"lat":2338,"lng":2339,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2340,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6020},"2026-01-16","Trio granted bail over alleged WA illegal tobacco network","Three family members charged over an alleged illicit tobacco and vape supply network appeared before Perth Magistrates Court and were granted bail under strict conditions, including surrendering passports and restrictions on contact and travel; all three are due back in court in March.",[6021],{"id":6001,"url":6002,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6023,"occurred_on":6024,"incident_type":42,"title":6025,"summary":6026,"lat":6027,"lng":6028,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6029,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6030},541,"2026-01-19","Riverwood warehouse raid seizes $1.6m in illicit tobacco and vapes","A joint operation involving the State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad, a regional enforcement squad and the Australian Border Force's Illicit Tobacco Taskforce searched a warehouse on Schofield Street, Riverwood, in Sydney's south-west, seizing about $1.6 million worth of illicit product, including 40,000 cigarettes, 601kg of molasses tobacco, loose-leaf tobacco, nicotine pouches and vapes. Two men were arrested and granted conditional bail.",-33.94575,151.05333,"Riverwood",[6031],{"id":6032,"url":6033,"outlet":6034,"published_on":16},578,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.2firsts.com\u002Fnews\u002Faustralian-authorities-seize-16-million-in-illegal-tobacco-products-two-men-arrested","2Firsts",{"id":5854,"occurred_on":6036,"incident_type":42,"title":6037,"summary":6038,"lat":6039,"lng":6040,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6041,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6042},"2026-01-22","Illicit cigarette manufacturing operation uncovered in Rouse Hill storage unit","The Australian Border Force-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce, working with the ATO, TGA and NSW Police, raided a self-storage facility in Rouse Hill and seized a large-scale tobacco production machine capable of manufacturing up to 3.6 million cigarettes a day, along with loose-leaf tobacco, vaping device components and suspected counterfeit tobacco packaging. Investigations with NSW Police were continuing.",-33.6833,150.9167,"Rouse Hill",[6043,6047],{"id":6044,"url":6045,"outlet":5699,"published_on":6046},460,"https:\u002F\u002Ftobaccoreporter.com\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F30\u002Faustralians-seize-machine-capable-of-making-3-5m-cigarettes-a-day\u002F","2026-01-30",{"id":6048,"url":6049,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},461,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-01-30\u002Fsydney-illegal-cigarette-operation-uncovered-by-abf\u002F106286376",{"id":5864,"occurred_on":6036,"incident_type":209,"title":6051,"summary":6052,"lat":6053,"lng":6054,"location_precision":547,"suburb":5928,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6055},"Reservoir convenience store ram-raided and torched","Offenders used a vehicle to ram-raid a convenience store on Broadway, Reservoir, about 3.15am and set it ablaze before fleeing on foot; a resident at the rear of the premises was unharmed. Police continue to investigate links to the broader tobacco-trade arson campaign.",-37.716,145.008,[6056],{"id":6057,"url":6058,"outlet":6059,"published_on":6036},462,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.victoriannews.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbourne-news\u002Ftobacco-wars-hit-reservoir\u002F","Victorian News (VicNews)",{"id":6061,"occurred_on":6062,"incident_type":42,"title":6063,"summary":6064,"lat":5454,"lng":5455,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5456,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6065},665,"2026-01-25","WA Health and police seize tens of thousands of illicit cigarettes in South West","A joint Department of Health and WA Police enforcement effort targeting retailers in the South West seized 74,670 cigarettes, more than 20 kilograms of tobacco and tens of thousands in cash. Officials framed the Bunbury-area operation as part of a tougher illicit-tobacco crackdown.",[6066],{"id":6067,"url":6068,"outlet":2380,"published_on":16},865,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.watoday.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fwestern-australia\u002Ftobacco-tsar-s-warning-after-wa-raids-seize-tens-of-thousands-of-illegal-smokes-20260125-p5nwvf.html",{"id":5879,"occurred_on":6070,"incident_type":42,"title":6071,"summary":6072,"lat":6073,"lng":6074,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4274,"state":4275,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6075},"2026-02-01","Tasmanian authorities seize millions of illegal cigarettes from traders","Tasmanian authorities seized more than two million illegal cigarettes, a tonne of loose tobacco and more than 700 vapes from illegal traders in a fortnight-long enforcement push, with an estimated street value of more than $3.2 million.",-42.882603,147.32573,[6076],{"id":6077,"url":6078,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},463,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-02-08\u002Ftasmanian-illegal-tobacco-vapes-crackdown\u002F106318886",{"id":5882,"occurred_on":6070,"incident_type":67,"title":6080,"summary":6081,"lat":6082,"lng":6083,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6084,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6085},"Christies Beach man charged over Payneham office arson","Police charged a Christies Beach man with arson in February 2026 over the January fire that destroyed a Payneham office block, which police allege was directed by organised crime figures.",-35.13947,138.4705,"Christies Beach",[6086],{"id":5920,"url":5921,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5885,"occurred_on":6088,"incident_type":209,"title":6089,"summary":6090,"lat":6091,"lng":6092,"location_precision":547,"suburb":6093,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6094},"2026-02-03","Mooroopna gift shop ram-raided and set alight","Shortly after 4:30am a vehicle reversed into the front of a McLennan Street gift shop in Mooroopna (Greater Shepparton) and offenders then set the store alight, causing significant damage before two vehicles fled the scene. Police allege it was a deliberate attack. No tobacco link has been confirmed in reporting, but the method (ram-raid-then-arson on a gift\u002Fconvenience-type store) mirrors the illicit-tobacco 'tobacco war' attacks seen across Victoria; included here for the user to assess.",-36.382,145.352,"Mooroopna",[6095,6098,6101,6105],{"id":6096,"url":6097,"outlet":4428,"published_on":965},464,"https:\u002F\u002Fdindi.com.au\u002Fwp\u002F2026\u002F02\u002F05\u002Fgreater-shepparton-ram-raid-on-mooroopna-shop\u002F",{"id":6099,"url":6100,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},465,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-02-26\u002Fmooroopna-tobacco-store-fire-shepparton\u002F106389996",{"id":6102,"url":6103,"outlet":1010,"published_on":6104},466,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sheppnews.com.au\u002Fpolice-court\u002Fsecond-mooroopna-tobacco-shop-fire-in-a-month\u002F","2026-02-26",{"id":6106,"url":6107,"outlet":1925,"published_on":6104},467,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ftobacco-store-destroyed-by-fire-in-mooroopna-1626616\u002F",{"id":5894,"occurred_on":965,"incident_type":209,"title":6109,"summary":6110,"lat":1034,"lng":6111,"location_precision":13,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6112},"Glenroy tobacconist firebombed for third time","Two offenders broke the steel shutter of a tobacco store on Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy, doused the premises in accelerant and set it alight about 5.40am before fleeing in a waiting car. Nobody injured; the same store had previously been targeted on 9 Oct 2023 and 7 Oct 2025. Arson and Explosives Squad investigating. Nine residents of a neighbouring apartment building were evacuated.",144.9165,[6113,6114],{"id":963,"url":964,"outlet":118,"published_on":965},{"id":6115,"url":6116,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},459,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Fnews\u002Fglenroy-tobacco-store-firebombed-for-third-time-bc-6388792142112",{"id":6118,"occurred_on":6119,"incident_type":42,"title":6120,"summary":6121,"lat":6122,"lng":6123,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6124,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6125},556,"2026-02-06","Bayswater unit raided in illicit-tobacco crackdown, $4.5m seized","Detectives from the Serious and Organised Crime Division executed a search warrant at a unit on Focal Way, Bayswater, seizing more than 3.9 million cigarettes, 3,900 vapes and 288kg of loose tobacco with an estimated retail value of about $4.5 million. The search was part of Taskforce Maverick, set up in response to firebombings and robberies targeting outlets tied to the illicit tobacco and vape trade.",-31.917479,115.91407,"Bayswater",[6126],{"id":6127,"url":6128,"outlet":5263,"published_on":16},471,"https:\u002F\u002Fechonewspaper.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fballajura-store-among-targets-in-illicit-tobacco-attacks\u002F",{"id":5920,"occurred_on":6130,"incident_type":256,"title":6131,"summary":6132,"lat":6133,"lng":6134,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6135,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6136},"2026-02-10","Perth convenience store set ablaze amid tobacco wars probe","A fire was set at a convenience store on Albany Highway in Kelmscott, in Perth's south-east, in the early hours of the morning. The owner said he did not sell tobacco or vapes and had previously reported threats to police; investigators are examining a possible link to the illicit tobacco trade.",-32.11703,116.01634,"Kelmscott",[6137,6140],{"id":6138,"url":6139,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},468,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-02-10\u002Ffire-alleged-linked-to-illicit-tobacco-under-investigation\u002F106325512",{"id":3910,"url":3911,"outlet":3912,"published_on":3913},{"id":5931,"occurred_on":6130,"incident_type":256,"title":6142,"summary":6143,"lat":6144,"lng":6145,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6146,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6147},"Suspicious fire extensively damages Pine Avenue tobacconist in Leeton","About 5:50am, emergency services were called to a tobacconist on Pine Avenue, Leeton, after a fire that extensively damaged the store. NSW Police treated the fire as suspicious. Local media and a state MP framed the attack in the context of illicit tobacco risk and organised crime. The shop had also been broken into in the preceding week.",-34.5517,146.40387,"Leeton",[6148,6152],{"id":6149,"url":6150,"outlet":6151,"published_on":6130},469,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dailyadvertiser.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9171613\u002Fsuspicious-fire-ravages-leeton-tobacconist-business\u002F","The Daily Advertiser",{"id":6153,"url":6154,"outlet":6155,"published_on":6130},470,"https:\u002F\u002Fregionriverina.com.au\u002Fleeton-tobacconist-fire-treated-as-suspicious-by-police\u002F118628\u002F","Region Riverina",{"id":5975,"occurred_on":6157,"incident_type":27,"title":6158,"summary":6159,"lat":6160,"lng":6161,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6162,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6163},"2026-02-11","Rockingham business threatened with damage by alleged organised crime figure","Police allege a Rockingham business premises was threatened with damage by a person allegedly connected to organised crime, in an apparent extortion attempt linked to the illicit tobacco trade, cited by WA Parliament among the escalating pattern of threats and violence against retailers.",-32.2767,115.7297,"Rockingham",[6164,6165,6166],{"id":3910,"url":3911,"outlet":3912,"published_on":3913},{"id":6127,"url":6128,"outlet":5263,"published_on":16},{"id":6167,"url":6168,"outlet":6169,"published_on":16},472,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.917thewave.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Flocal-news\u002Fteen-boys-among-those-charged-over-alleged-plan-to-attack-rockingham-tobacco-store\u002F","91.7 The Wave",{"id":6001,"occurred_on":6171,"incident_type":256,"title":6172,"summary":6173,"lat":6174,"lng":6175,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6176,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6177},"2026-02-12","Eden tobacconist firebombed; two Victorian men arrested","Police allege a fire was deliberately lit at a tobacconist on Imlay Street, Eden about 5.30am, damaging the storefront. NSW Police established Strike Force Momah, and an arrest warrant was issued for two men from Victoria, who were later arrested in Coolaroo, Victoria. The elder man, facing extradition to NSW, was charged with destroying property by fire in company after a handgun was allegedly seized from his vehicle; police said the tobacconist had been observed selling illicit tobacco.",-37.065,149.9,"Eden",[6178,6182,6186],{"id":6179,"url":6180,"outlet":2605,"published_on":6181},473,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-arrest-two-after-fire-at-eden-tobacconist-1638321\u002F","2026-03-17",{"id":6183,"url":6184,"outlet":6185,"published_on":16},474,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.begadistrictnews.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9201275\u002Feden-tobacconist-fire-strike-force-momah-arrests-two-victorians\u002F","Bega District News",{"id":6187,"url":6188,"outlet":5137,"published_on":16},475,"https:\u002F\u002Faboutregional.com.au\u002Ftwo-arrested-over-alleged-arson-at-south-coast-tobacconist\u002F501352\u002F",{"id":6008,"occurred_on":6171,"incident_type":209,"title":6190,"summary":6191,"lat":6192,"lng":6193,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1241,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6194},"Croydon tobacco store attacked at Burnt Bridge Shopping Centre","About 3:30–3:40am, offenders allegedly broke into a tobacco store at Burnt Bridge Shopping Centre on Maroondah Highway, Croydon, using an angle grinder and set it alight. Nearby bakers who tried to intervene were allegedly threatened with a sledgehammer. CCTV later showed one of the alleged arsonists catching fire. Damage was reported as limited after crews contained the blaze.",-37.791,145.28226,[6195,6200],{"id":6196,"url":6197,"outlet":6198,"published_on":6199},476,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.easternmelburnian.com.au\u002Fp\u002Fwatch-croydon-tobacco-store-attacked","The Eastern Melburnian","2026-02-13",{"id":6201,"url":6202,"outlet":6203,"published_on":6171},477,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002F7NEWSMelbourne\u002Fvideos\u002Fbakers-in-melbournes-east-have-been-threatened-while-trying-to-stop-arsonists-fr\u002F26254622190828464\u002F","7NEWS Melbourne",{"id":6205,"occurred_on":6171,"incident_type":67,"title":6206,"summary":6207,"lat":6208,"lng":6209,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6210,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6211},557,"Man charged over tobacco-store attacks at Beechboro, Ballajura and Rockingham","Taskforce Maverick detectives arrested a man over alleged involvement in three separate incidents at tobacco stores in Beechboro, Ballajura and Rockingham. Police charged him with aggravated burglary, criminal damage by fire and two counts of criminal damage, with the attacks allegedly linked to an organised illicit-tobacco network. Police said 19 people had been charged with 65 offences under the taskforce since late November.",-31.869719,115.9368,"Beechboro",[6212],{"id":6213,"url":6214,"outlet":6215,"published_on":16},594,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.coastlive.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Flocal-news\u002Fteen-boys-among-those-charged-over-alleged-plan-to-attack-rockingham-tobacco-store\u002F","97.3 Coast FM",{"id":6115,"occurred_on":6199,"incident_type":42,"title":6217,"summary":6218,"lat":6219,"lng":6220,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6221,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6222},"Police raid regional Victorian gift shop, seize illegal cigarettes","Police raided a gift shop in Dimboola and found more than 36,840 illegal cigarettes and loose-leaf tobacco. A local man was arrested on suspicion of possessing tobacco products with intent to defraud revenue, interviewed and released on summons.",-36.453693,142.02643,"Dimboola",[6223,6224],{"id":5303,"url":5304,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6225,"url":6226,"outlet":6227,"published_on":6228},478,"https:\u002F\u002Ftheweeklyadvertiser.com.au\u002Farticles\u002Fsuspicious-fire-ignites-dimboola-tobacco-shop\u002F","The Weekly Advertiser (Horsham)","2026-02-25",{"id":6044,"occurred_on":6230,"incident_type":256,"title":6231,"summary":6232,"lat":5970,"lng":5971,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5972,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6233},"2026-02-14","Second fire at same Andergrove Celeber Road premises","About 7:50am on 14 February, police received reports that a second fire had occurred hours earlier at the same Celeber Road Andergrove business; the fire had extinguished before police arrival. CCTV showed two unknown people wearing masks and gloves.",[6234],{"id":5975,"url":5976,"outlet":1029,"published_on":5977},{"id":6048,"occurred_on":6236,"incident_type":209,"title":6237,"summary":6238,"lat":6219,"lng":6220,"location_precision":547,"suburb":6221,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6239},"2026-02-18","Dimboola gift shop firebombed days after illicit tobacco raid","A gift shop on Lloyd Street, Dimboola, was firebombed in the early hours days after police raided the premises and seized illicit cigarettes and loose-leaf tobacco; the blast force dislodged the shop's entrance door onto the street. No one was inside. Police allege the fire is linked to the illicit tobacco trade.",[6240,6241],{"id":5303,"url":5304,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6225,"url":6226,"outlet":6227,"published_on":6228},{"id":6057,"occurred_on":6236,"incident_type":256,"title":6243,"summary":6244,"lat":5970,"lng":5971,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5972,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6245},"Third fire at Andergrove Celeber Road tobacco business","Between 4:45am and 6am on 18 February, a third fire was reported at the same Celeber Road, Andergrove premises and extinguished a short time later with minor damage. Two unknown people were sighted near the blaze running towards Parkview Court.",[6246],{"id":5975,"url":5976,"outlet":1029,"published_on":5977},{"id":6077,"occurred_on":6248,"incident_type":42,"title":6249,"summary":6250,"lat":30,"lng":31,"location_precision":13,"suburb":32,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6251},"2026-02-20","Statewide blitz closes 30 illegal tobacco and vape retailers","NSW Health, backed by NSW Police, conducted a ten-day enforcement blitz under laws passed in November 2025, issuing 90-day closure orders to 30 businesses across Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Illawarra Shoalhaven and western NSW after finding approximately 700,000 illicit cigarettes and 3,900 illicit vapes.",[6252,6256],{"id":6253,"url":6254,"outlet":5137,"published_on":6255},479,"https:\u002F\u002Faboutregional.com.au\u002Fgetting-on-with-the-job-police-raid-30-businesses-in-illegal-tobacco-vape-crack-down\u002F499313\u002F","2026-03-05",{"id":6257,"url":6258,"outlet":6259,"published_on":16},480,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nsw.gov.au\u002Fministerial-releases\u002Fover-100-short-term-closure-orders-issued-to-illegal-tobacconists-as-tobacco-excise-increases-tomorrow","NSW Government",{"id":6261,"occurred_on":6262,"incident_type":349,"title":6263,"summary":6264,"lat":889,"lng":890,"location_precision":13,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6265},561,"2026-02-23","Shots fired at Glenroy tobacco shop with history of arson attacks","Shots were fired into the roller door of a tobacco shop on Wheatsheaf Street, Glenroy, at about 1am on Monday 23 February 2026. No one was inside at the time. Police say the shooting appears to have been targeted and detectives are investigating. The same store had previously been hit by arson attacks in February 2026, October 2025 and October 2023. The repeated targeting of a tobacco retailer fits the pattern of the broader organised-crime conflict over Melbourne's illicit tobacco trade, and the shooting is reportedly being examined by police investigators handling that conflict.",[6266,6270,6273],{"id":6267,"url":6268,"outlet":6269,"published_on":16},600,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fshots-fired-at-glenroy-tobacco-shop-1624221\u002F","Mirage News (Victoria Police media release)",{"id":6271,"url":6272,"outlet":3929,"published_on":16},601,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationaltribune.com.au\u002Fshots-fired-at-glenroy-tobacco-shop\u002F",{"id":6274,"url":6275,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},602,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fvic\u002Fshots-fired-tobacco-store-glenroy-victoria-20260223-p5o4k7.html",{"id":6096,"occurred_on":3913,"incident_type":27,"title":6277,"summary":6278,"lat":6279,"lng":6280,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4526,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6281},"Man abducted outside Mount Pritchard tobacco shop in alleged tobacco-war ransom attack","A man was allegedly assaulted and dragged into a car by four masked men outside a tobacconist on Meadows Road, Mount Pritchard, then held for roughly two days at a rural property before being rescued by tactical police. NSW Police's State Crime Command established Strike Force Martinook and publicly linked the abduction to Sydney's ongoing \"tobacco war\", describing it as part of a conflict between criminal groups fighting for control of the illicit tobacco trade. A subsequent search of the tobacco shop allegedly uncovered six firearms, firearm parts and about 39,000 illicit cigarettes. Several people, including a teenager, have since been charged with offences including taking\u002Fdetaining a person with intent to ransom and possessing a shortened firearm.",-33.9091,150.8863,[6282,6287,6291],{"id":6283,"url":6284,"outlet":6285,"published_on":6286},481,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.elrisala.com\u002Fsixth-man-charged-over-suspected-sydney-tobacco-war-kidnapping-as-police-seize-bmw-in-fresh-raid\u002F","Elrisala","2026-06-25",{"id":6288,"url":6289,"outlet":921,"published_on":6290},483,"https:\u002F\u002Fthenightly.com.au\u002Faustralia\u002Fnsw\u002Fnsw-police-rescue-kidnapping-victim-in-dural-teen-charged-after-cctv-footage-emerges-c-21770639","2026-02-27",{"id":6292,"url":6293,"outlet":3584,"published_on":6294},482,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationaltribune.com.au\u002Frobbery-serious-crime-squad-detectives-charge-man-over-alleged-mt-pritchard-kidnapping-2\u002F","2026-04-29",{"id":6099,"occurred_on":6104,"incident_type":209,"title":6296,"summary":6297,"lat":6298,"lng":6299,"location_precision":547,"suburb":6093,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6300},"Mooroopna tobacco store destroyed by fire on McLennan Street","About 3am a motorist reported smoke from a tobacco store on McLennan Street, Mooroopna. The building was engulfed and destroyed; a man was seen running to a small red hatchback that sped off. Shepparton CIU detectives and an arson chemist investigated whether it was linked to the 3 February fire in the same strip.",-36.394447,145.35938,[6301,6302,6303],{"id":6099,"url":6100,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6102,"url":6103,"outlet":1010,"published_on":6104},{"id":6106,"url":6107,"outlet":1925,"published_on":6104},{"id":6102,"occurred_on":6104,"incident_type":349,"title":6305,"summary":6306,"lat":6307,"lng":6308,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6309,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6310},"Drive-by shotgun shooting at Rostrevor house","A shotgun was fired outside an occupied house in Rostrevor about 2:30am on February 26, 2026, in a drive-by shooting; no one was injured. SA Police allege the shooting is linked to organised crime figures behind a string of Adelaide tobacco-related arson attacks.",-34.893906,138.69246,"Rostrevor",[6311],{"id":5920,"url":5921,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6313,"occurred_on":6104,"incident_type":8,"title":6314,"summary":6315,"lat":5838,"lng":5839,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4257,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6316},664,"Person pleads guilty over Baldivis store attack tied to illicit tobacco","A person pleaded guilty in relation to an arson attack on a Baldivis store that police and prosecutors have tied to an illegal tobacco network in Western Australia.",[6317],{"id":6318,"url":6319,"outlet":4912,"published_on":16},862,"https:\u002F\u002Fthewest.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fcourt-justice\u002Fjuvenile-arsonist-pleads-guilty-in-baldivis-attack-tied-to-illegal-tobacco-network-c-21775663",{"id":6106,"occurred_on":6290,"incident_type":42,"title":6321,"summary":6322,"lat":6323,"lng":6324,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6325,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6326},"Illicit tobacco crackdown nets large haul in regional WA Mid-West","WA Health's Tobacco and Vape Regulation team, working with police, raided premises in the Mid-West region (exact town not specified in the release) and seized 99,420 cigarettes, 37.25kg of loose-leaf tobacco and 810 vapes, citing organised crime's role in distribution.",-28.7744,114.6089,"Geraldton",[6327,6331],{"id":6328,"url":6329,"outlet":6330,"published_on":6290},484,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.health.wa.gov.au\u002FMedia-releases\u002F2026\u002FFebruary\u002FCrackdown-on-illicit-tobacco-in-regional-Western-Australia-nets-big-haul","WA Department of Health",{"id":6332,"url":6333,"outlet":6334,"published_on":16},485,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.geraldtonguardian.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fgeraldton-guardian\u002Fwa-department-of-health-nets-massive-haul-of-tobacco-and-vape-products-during-raids-in-geraldton-and-kalbarri-c-21763405","Geraldton Guardian",{"id":6138,"occurred_on":6290,"incident_type":209,"title":6336,"summary":6337,"lat":5970,"lng":5971,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5972,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6338},"Fourth Andergrove fire spreads to neighbouring businesses","Between 11:50pm on 27 February and 12:10am on 28 February, a fourth fire at the same Celeber Road Andergrove location was reported; the fire spread to neighbouring businesses before emergency services extinguished it. No one was injured in any of the four Andergrove attacks. QPS released CCTV appealing for information.",[6339,6340],{"id":5975,"url":5976,"outlet":1029,"published_on":5977},{"id":6341,"url":6342,"outlet":617,"published_on":16},860,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-03-03\u002Fandergrove-arson-targeted-four-times\u002F106409278",{"id":6149,"occurred_on":6344,"incident_type":67,"title":6345,"summary":6346,"lat":6347,"lng":6348,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6349,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6350},"2026-03-01","Christie Downs man charged over Payneham office arson","Police charged a Christie Downs man with arson in March 2026 over the Payneham office block fire, part of a series of incidents police allege were directed by organised crime figures.",-35.127583,138.49812,"Christie Downs",[6351],{"id":5920,"url":5921,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6153,"occurred_on":6344,"incident_type":209,"title":6353,"summary":6354,"lat":6355,"lng":6356,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6357,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6358},"Ice-cream shop firebombed in Williamstown","An ice-cream shop in Williamstown was firebombed, one of four businesses and a home linked to a crime gang attacked that month amid a renewed wave of tobacco war violence.",-37.860584,144.88893,"Williamstown",[6359],{"id":6360,"url":6361,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},486,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fwhy-ice-cream-shops-are-a-firebombing-target-in-renewed-fight-for-gang-territory-20260325-p5xkc5.html",{"id":6127,"occurred_on":6344,"incident_type":349,"title":6363,"summary":6364,"lat":1286,"lng":1287,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1288,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6365},"Drive-by shooting targets crowd outside Altona North kebab shop","A drive-by shooting targeted a crowd of men standing outside a kebab shop in Altona North, in territory contested during a renewed wave of tobacco turf war violence.",[6366],{"id":6360,"url":6361,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":6167,"occurred_on":5977,"incident_type":209,"title":6368,"summary":6369,"lat":889,"lng":890,"location_precision":547,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6370},"Glenroy tobacco shop set alight by armed offenders","Two men, one armed, entered a tobacco shop on Belair Avenue, Glenroy, just before 10pm and ignited a fuel fire on the counter and floor; staff contained the blaze and were unharmed. The offenders fled in a white sedan on stolen plates, found burning minutes later nearby. Police allege the attack was targeted and linked to organised crime networks' ongoing dispute over the illicit tobacco market.",[6371,6374,6377,6380,6381],{"id":6372,"url":6373,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},487,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-03-04\u002Fvic-glenroy-tobacco-shop-arson\u002F106412634",{"id":6375,"url":6376,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},488,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Fglenroy-tobacconist-torched-in-sixth-attack-on-illicit-smoke-shop\u002Fnews-story\u002F6886b92a51bbcfcf710e2f3868a6a839",{"id":6378,"url":6379,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},489,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fpolice-seize-five-guns-including-ak-47-after-tobacco-shop-fire-20260304-p5o7l1.html",{"id":5281,"url":5282,"outlet":118,"published_on":5133},{"id":6382,"url":6383,"outlet":225,"published_on":5133},490,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-investigate-glenroy-tobacco-shop-fire-1630047\u002F",{"id":6179,"occurred_on":5133,"incident_type":349,"title":6385,"summary":6386,"lat":889,"lng":890,"location_precision":13,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6387},"Shots fired at Glenroy building after vehicle vandalised","Police allege a group damaged a parked vehicle in Glenroy about 2:30am, after which shots were fired from a nearby residence, hitting an unrelated building on Lewis Street. Investigators believe the shooting is linked to an arson attack on a nearby tobacco shop hours earlier.",[6388,6389],{"id":6372,"url":6373,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6378,"url":6379,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":6183,"occurred_on":6391,"incident_type":42,"title":6392,"summary":6393,"lat":6279,"lng":6394,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4526,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6395},"2026-03-07","Large-scale illicit tobacco enterprise uncovered at Mount Pritchard tobacconist","Strike Force Barbalin detectives, originally probing arson attacks targeting a Mount Pritchard tobacconist, executed a search warrant at an address in Mount Pritchard and seized a large quantity of illicit tobacco, uncovering what police allege was a large-scale illicit tobacco enterprise operating from the shop. A man was charged with participating in a criminal group, possessing tobacco at more than 50 times the commercial quantity, and dealing with proceeds of crime.",150.8956,[6396],{"id":4529,"url":4530,"outlet":2605,"published_on":4531},{"id":6187,"occurred_on":6398,"incident_type":8,"title":6399,"summary":6400,"lat":673,"lng":674,"location_precision":13,"suburb":675,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6401},"2026-03-12","Tobacco retailer's $1.49 million fine cut to $250,000 on appeal","The Emerald District Court reduced a tobacco retail company's illicit tobacco fine from $1.49 million to $250,000 on appeal, with the judge ruling the original penalty was calculated using an impermissible method that did not properly account for overlapping offending across stores.",[6402],{"id":669,"url":679,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6196,"occurred_on":6181,"incident_type":349,"title":6404,"summary":6405,"lat":1286,"lng":1287,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1288,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6406},"Drive-by shooting at cafe on Borrack Square, Altona North","Police allege a gunman fired three shots at a crowd of 14 people outside a cafe on Borrack Square, Altona North, about 11.30pm, striking a man twice in the arm. The victim's injuries were non-life-threatening; the getaway vehicle was found torched nearby. Police believe the shooting is linked to the illicit tobacco trade.",[6407,6410,6413,6416,6420],{"id":6408,"url":6409,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},491,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fwitness-describes-moment-gunman-opens-fire-on-altona-north-cafe-melbourne-c-21986630",{"id":6411,"url":6412,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},492,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Fsunrise\u002Fdrive-by-shooting-at-melbourne-cafe-linked-to-tobacco-wars-bc-6391141415112",{"id":6414,"url":6415,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},493,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-victoria\u002Fmanhunt-underway-after-man-shot-in-altona-north-getaway-vehicle-set-on-fire\u002Fnews-story\u002Fca745a9c8c39e8fa9612e438ba4b368e",{"id":6417,"url":6418,"outlet":3702,"published_on":6419},494,"https:\u002F\u002Faapnews.aap.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fillegal-tobacco-war-reignites-with-drive-by-shooting","2026-03-18",{"id":6421,"url":6422,"outlet":118,"published_on":6419},495,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fgang-crime-squad-to-investigate-altona-north-1638975\u002F",{"id":6201,"occurred_on":6181,"incident_type":349,"title":6424,"summary":6425,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6426},"Shooting in Melbourne's south-west probed for tobacco trade link","A man was shot in Melbourne's south-west overnight, with detectives from the Gang Crime Squad investigating a possible link to the illegal tobacco trade.",[6427],{"id":6428,"url":6429,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},496,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fmelbourne-shooting-could-be-linked-to-illegal-tobacco-trade-police-say-20260318-p5oo1k.html",{"id":6225,"occurred_on":6419,"incident_type":256,"title":6431,"summary":6432,"lat":5915,"lng":5916,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5917,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6433},"Malvern car wash destroyed in second fire","Weeks after an earlier arson attack, the Malvern car wash and cafe on Unley Road was destroyed by a second fire on March 18, 2026, with damage estimated at $500,000. SA Police allege the fire is linked to organised crime figures and to a drive-by shooting in Rostrevor.",[6434],{"id":5920,"url":5921,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6253,"occurred_on":6436,"incident_type":209,"title":6437,"summary":6438,"lat":6439,"lng":6440,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6441,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6442},"2026-03-25","Tobacconist convenience store firebombed on Barklya Place, Marsden","About 2:45am, police were called to a tobacconist convenience store on Barklya Place, Marsden, after a fire. Initial investigations indicate a male arrived in a white vehicle, forced entry, lit a fire, then fled via the passenger door. A crime scene was declared at 3:10am. This was one of several Logan tobacco-store arsons in a three-week period.",-27.676054,153.10318,"Marsden",[6443],{"id":6444,"url":6445,"outlet":1029,"published_on":6436},497,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026\u002F03\u002F25\u002Farson-investigation-marsden\u002F",{"id":6257,"occurred_on":6447,"incident_type":209,"title":6448,"summary":6449,"lat":6450,"lng":6451,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2272,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6452},"2026-03-26","Love Machine nightclub gutted in suspected firebombing","Offenders allegedly rammed the front door of the Love Machine nightclub at Chapel Street\u002FMalvern Road, Prahran, spread accelerant and lit it after 2am; two 20-litre jerry cans were recovered at the entrance. 45 firefighters and 14 appliances brought the blaze under control by 4.25am. Venue had been closed since September over licensing breaches.",-37.8556,144.9948,[6453],{"id":6454,"url":6455,"outlet":6456,"published_on":6457},498,"https:\u002F\u002Fthemusic.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbourne-nightclub-love-machine-destroyed-by-suspicious-fire\u002FBS-7GRgbGh0\u002F27-03-26","The Music","2026-03-27",{"id":6283,"occurred_on":6457,"incident_type":209,"title":6459,"summary":6460,"lat":6461,"lng":6462,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6463,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6464},"Suspicious fire at Slacks Creek tobacco store after balaclava break-in","Queensland Police say an unknown male wearing a balaclava forced entry into a tobacco store on Kingston Road, Slacks Creek, about 4:34am before a fire began. The male was observed getting into a vehicle and fleeing. A crime scene was declared.",-27.642656,153.14296,"Slacks Creek",[6465],{"id":6466,"url":6467,"outlet":1029,"published_on":6457},499,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026\u002F03\u002F27\u002Fsuspicious-fire-slacks-creek\u002F",{"id":6292,"occurred_on":6469,"incident_type":209,"title":6470,"summary":6471,"lat":6461,"lng":6462,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6463,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6472},"2026-03-29","Duke Street tobacco store set alight in second Slacks Creek arson","Shortly after 2am, an unknown offender allegedly smashed the glass entry door of a tobacco store on Duke Street, Slacks Creek, and set the premises alight before fleeing in a dark-coloured vehicle. The store sustained moderate damage. This was a second Slacks Creek tobacco-store arson within three days (after the Kingston Road fire on 27 March).",[6473],{"id":6474,"url":6475,"outlet":1029,"published_on":6469},500,"https:\u002F\u002Fmypolice.qld.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026\u002F03\u002F29\u002Fshop-fire-slacks-creek\u002F",{"id":6288,"occurred_on":6469,"incident_type":89,"title":6477,"summary":6478,"lat":889,"lng":890,"location_precision":13,"suburb":891,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6479},"Car rams Glenroy smoke shop in latest tobacco-wars attack","A car was driven into a smoke shop in Glenroy in an attack reported as linked to Victoria's illicit tobacco conflict. The same suburb's Belair Avenue tobacconist had been targeted weeks earlier when armed offenders poured petrol and lit a fire. Media and police frame the March ram as part of the ongoing turf war.",[6480],{"id":6481,"url":6482,"outlet":98,"published_on":6469},501,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fcar-rams-into-glenroy-smoke-shop-in-latest-tobacco-wars-blaze\u002Fnews-story\u002Fd64a306ecf6ff7538ad7570b91996783",{"id":6328,"occurred_on":6484,"incident_type":42,"title":6485,"summary":6486,"lat":6487,"lng":6488,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6489,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6490},"2026-04-01","AFP raids across Sydney seize $800,000 cash and illicit tobacco\u002Fvapes","Australian Federal Police executed search warrants across Strathfield, Eastgardens, Bondi Junction, Banksmeadow and Surry Hills targeting an alleged illicit tobacco operation, seizing $800,000 cash, 542,940 cigarettes, 801kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 8,169 vapes and other items; four men were charged. Police stated the illicit tobacco trade is directly linked to acts of violence in the community.",-33.8703,151.0942,"Strathfield",[6491],{"id":6492,"url":6493,"outlet":1221,"published_on":6494},502,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.afp.gov.au\u002Fnews-centre\u002Fmedia-release\u002Ffour-men-charged-following-seizure-800000-cash-and-illicit-tobacco","2026-04-17",{"id":6332,"occurred_on":6484,"incident_type":42,"title":6496,"summary":6497,"lat":1249,"lng":1250,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6498,"state":1252,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6499},"ABF seizes cigarettes, vapes in Darwin customs searches","Australian Border Force conducted six Customs Act searches in Darwin in April, seizing more than 82,000 cigarettes, 15.5 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco and 873 vapes, with the vapes alone equating to about $147,895 in evaded duty tax.","Darwin",[6500],{"id":6501,"url":6502,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},503,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-05-07\u002Fmillions-to-combat-illicit-tobacco-in-the-nt\u002F106653754",{"id":6360,"occurred_on":6504,"incident_type":256,"title":6505,"summary":6506,"lat":2921,"lng":6507,"location_precision":547,"suburb":6508,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6509},"2026-04-07","Norwood warehouse deliberately set alight","Police and fire crews responded just after 1:20am to a deliberately lit fire at a warehouse on Beulah Road, Norwood, which caused extensive damage to an administration building. CCTV showed three people arriving in a dark hatchback. No injuries were reported.",138.6275,"Norwood",[6510],{"id":6511,"url":6512,"outlet":3584,"published_on":6504},504,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationaltribune.com.au\u002Fwarehouse-fire-at-norwood\u002F",{"id":6372,"occurred_on":6514,"incident_type":256,"title":6515,"summary":6516,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6517},"2026-04-10","Melbourne bar windows smashed and venue set alight in arson spree","In April 2026 a Melbourne bar had its windows smashed and was set alight, one of a wave of arson attacks on hospitality venues across the CBD, South Melbourne and Prahran that police linked to organised crime groups, with drug dealing and the illegal alcohol trade among possible motives.",[6518],{"id":6519,"url":6520,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},505,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-04-28\u002Fpolice-investigate-firebombings-melbourne-hospitality-venues\u002F106616158",{"id":6375,"occurred_on":6522,"incident_type":209,"title":6523,"summary":6524,"lat":6525,"lng":6526,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6527,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6528},"2026-04-13","Waterford West tobacconist firebombed via coin-laundry wall; security guard attacked","About 2:30am in Waterford West, a masked offender allegedly smashed through the wall of a coin laundry with a crowbar, poured fuel from a jerry can into the adjoining tobacconist and set it alight. A security guard was threatened. Police and media described it as the fourth tobacco-shop torching in Logan in three weeks amid the illicit tobacco conflict.",-27.691042,153.12799,"Waterford West",[6529,6532],{"id":6530,"url":6531,"outlet":5232,"published_on":6522},506,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.couriermail.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fqueensland\u002Fwaterford-west-fire-tobacco-store-among-two-businesses-affected\u002Fnews-story\u002Fe9f62df41875a25c75d763029bd0adba",{"id":6533,"url":6534,"outlet":5271,"published_on":6522},507,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002F7NEWSQld\u002Fposts\u002Fpolice-are-searching-for-a-group-of-arsonists-who-targeted-a-waterford-west-toba\u002F1376752061150083\u002F",{"id":6378,"occurred_on":6536,"incident_type":256,"title":6537,"summary":6538,"lat":6539,"lng":6540,"location_precision":547,"suburb":6541,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6542},"2026-04-14","Men's Gallery strip club, King Street CBD, hit in attempted arson","The Men's Gallery adult venue on King Street (corner Lonsdale Street), Melbourne CBD, was targeted in an attempted arson in the early hours, one of a run of licensed-venue attacks across Melbourne in April 2026. Victoria Police's Arson and Explosives Squad treated it as part of a linked series. Single weak source, low confidence.",-37.815571,144.955124,"Melbourne CBD",[6543,6547,6550],{"id":6544,"url":6545,"outlet":6546,"published_on":6494},508,"https:\u002F\u002Fmediacowboys.substack.com\u002Fp\u002Fthe-mens-gallery-shooting-and-melbournes","Media Cowboys (Substack)",{"id":6548,"url":6549,"outlet":838,"published_on":16},509,"https:\u002F\u002Fau.news.yahoo.com\u002Fchilling-vid-strip-club-shooting-082538364.html",{"id":6551,"url":6552,"outlet":6553,"published_on":16},510,"https:\u002F\u002Fscenestr.com.au\u002Fgeneral\u002Fmelbourne-nightlife-under-fire-as-targeted-venues-climb-into-double-digits-20260504","scenestr",{"id":6555,"occurred_on":6536,"incident_type":27,"title":6556,"summary":6557,"lat":6558,"lng":6559,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5917,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":6560,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6561},572,"Mistaken-identity kidnapping in Malvern linked to organised-crime tasking network","Police allege multiple men, tasked via encrypted messaging by an organised-crime network, assaulted a man inside his Malvern home shortly after 9pm and forced him into a car in a case of mistaken identity - police say they hit the wrong address - before he was dropped outside a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Four men have been charged over the incident, which police link (via Operation Eclipse) to the same network behind arson attacks on Melbourne tobacco stores and hospitality venues in the illicit-tobacco conflict.",-37.85741,145.03539,"targeted",[6562,6564,6567,6569],{"id":3807,"url":6563,"outlet":329,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.vic.gov.au\u002Fman-charged-following-investigation-tasking-incidents-linked-hospitality-venues",{"id":3847,"url":6565,"outlet":6566,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.camdencourier.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9310322\u002Fconsequential-arrest-in-escalating-hospitality-wars\u002F","Camden Courier",{"id":3985,"url":6568,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fnightclub-promoter-believed-to-be-intended-target-of-botched-kidnapping-20260430-p5zsp3.html",{"id":1960,"url":6570,"outlet":3929,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationaltribune.com.au\u002Fman-arrested-following-investigation-into-tasking-of-incidents-linked-to-hospitality-venues\u002F",{"id":6382,"occurred_on":6572,"incident_type":42,"title":6573,"summary":6574,"lat":1249,"lng":1250,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6498,"state":1252,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6575},"2026-04-15","Border Force seizes illicit cigarettes and vapes in Darwin","The Australian Border Force confiscated more than 82,000 illicit cigarettes, 15.5 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco and 873 vapes in Darwin.",[6576],{"id":6577,"url":6578,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},511,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-06-03\u002Fillicit-tobacco-multimillion-dollar-bust-darwin-nt\u002F106753100",{"id":6408,"occurred_on":6572,"incident_type":209,"title":6580,"summary":6581,"lat":6582,"lng":6583,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1075,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6584},"Albion Hotel rooftop bar firebombed in South Melbourne","Offenders forced entry to the Albion Hotel (172 York Street), which houses the Alumbra nightclub, just after 3am and lit three small fires inside the rooftop bar before fleeing north along Northumberland Street. Reported as the opening strike of a cluster of hospitality firebombings; single-source, treat as low confidence.",-37.833,144.956,[6585,6588,6591],{"id":6586,"url":6587,"outlet":6546,"published_on":1333},512,"https:\u002F\u002Fmediacowboys.substack.com\u002Fp\u002Fexclusive-three-melbourne-nightclubs",{"id":6589,"url":6590,"outlet":218,"published_on":16},513,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3aw.com.au\u002Fpopular-south-melbourne-pub-targeted-in-suspected-arson-attack\u002F",{"id":6592,"url":6593,"outlet":838,"published_on":16},514,"https:\u002F\u002Fau.news.yahoo.com\u002Fallegedly-armed-teens-set-bar-003859170.html",{"id":6411,"occurred_on":6572,"incident_type":256,"title":6595,"summary":6596,"lat":6597,"lng":2810,"location_precision":13,"suburb":700,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6598},"The Emerson nightclub, South Yarra, hit by suspected arson","The Emerson on Commercial Road, South Yarra was targeted in a suspected arson attack in the early hours, forcing the venue to close over the following weekend. It was one of several inner-city hospitality venues hit in April and was later also the site of a drive-by shooting (~26 Apr).",-37.839,[6599],{"id":6600,"url":6601,"outlet":1267,"published_on":6602},515,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9233229\u002Ffirebombing-drive-by-shooting-in-wild-night-out\u002F","2026-04-27",{"id":6414,"occurred_on":1333,"incident_type":256,"title":6604,"summary":6605,"lat":6606,"lng":6607,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1075,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6608},"Kittens strip club, South Melbourne, torched","The long-running Kittens strip club in South Melbourne was set alight in the early hours as one of four venues hit in an overnight coordinated strike. Significant damage; single weak source, low confidence.",-37.827,144.957,[6609,6610,6611],{"id":6586,"url":6587,"outlet":6546,"published_on":1333},{"id":6551,"url":6552,"outlet":6553,"published_on":16},{"id":6592,"url":6593,"outlet":838,"published_on":16},{"id":6417,"occurred_on":6494,"incident_type":256,"title":6613,"summary":6614,"lat":6615,"lng":6616,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6617,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6618},"Soho Bar, Southbank, torched by teens armed with machetes","Two boys allegedly arrived at the Soho Restaurant and Bar on Riverside Quay, Southbank about 4.20am with jerry cans and machetes, started a fire that destroyed the venue and tried to damage a neighbouring business before fleeing in a silver Nissan Patrol. Arrested nearby and charged with arson and weapons offences; police linked the pair to encrypted 'crime tasker' recruitment.",-37.8215,144.964,"Southbank",[6619,6622],{"id":6620,"url":6621,"outlet":1896,"published_on":3686},516,"https:\u002F\u002Faapnews.aap.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fteens-charged-over-alleged-crime-tasker-arson-attack",{"id":6623,"url":6624,"outlet":218,"published_on":6494},517,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3aw.com.au\u002Fanother-melbourne-venue-targeted-in-brazen-arson-attack\u002F",{"id":6421,"occurred_on":6494,"incident_type":349,"title":6626,"summary":6627,"lat":6539,"lng":6540,"location_precision":547,"suburb":6541,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6628},"Men's Gallery strip club, King Street CBD, hit in drive-by shooting","The Men's Gallery adult venue on King Street (corner Lonsdale Street), Melbourne CBD, was struck by a drive-by shooting in the early hours; no injuries reported. Police investigated it alongside the April 2026 series of attacks on licensed hospitality and entertainment venues. Single weak source, low confidence.",[6629,6630,6631],{"id":6544,"url":6545,"outlet":6546,"published_on":6494},{"id":6548,"url":6549,"outlet":838,"published_on":16},{"id":6600,"url":6601,"outlet":1267,"published_on":6602},{"id":6428,"occurred_on":3686,"incident_type":256,"title":6633,"summary":6634,"lat":6635,"lng":6636,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6637},"Bar Bambi (AC\u002FDC Lane, CBD) hit in first attempted arson","Unknown offenders forced entry to Bar Bambi on AC\u002FDC Lane in the CBD in an attempted arson and burglary; a jerry can was found outside. This was the first of two attacks on the venue within a week.",-37.8165,144.9685,[6638],{"id":6639,"url":6640,"outlet":6641,"published_on":6642},518,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cbdnews.com.au\u002Fsecond-acdc-lane-arson-attack\u002F","CBD News","2026-04-28",{"id":6444,"occurred_on":6644,"incident_type":42,"title":6645,"summary":6646,"lat":6647,"lng":6648,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6649,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6650},"2026-04-22","23 Central Coast retailers closed in tobacco and vaping blitz","NSW Health inspectors, supported by NSW Police, closed 23 tobacco and vape retailers across the Central Coast for 90 days in a single week - the largest weekly enforcement action since new closure-order powers took effect in November 2025 - seizing about 836,000 illicit cigarettes, 120kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 5,200 illicit vapes and 800 nicotine pouches.",-33.42683,151.3411,"Central Coast",[6651,6655],{"id":6652,"url":6653,"outlet":6259,"published_on":6654},519,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nsw.gov.au\u002Fministerial-releases\u002F23-retailers-closed-targeted-tobacco-and-vaping-blitz","2026-04-24",{"id":6656,"url":6657,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},520,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-04-29\u002Fillicit-cigarettes-vapes-seized-in-canberra-retailer-raids\u002F106621348",{"id":6454,"occurred_on":6644,"incident_type":42,"title":6659,"summary":6660,"lat":6661,"lng":6662,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6663,"state":2201,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6664},"Canberra retailers raided in black market tobacco crackdown","Access Canberra, ACT Policing, the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Australian Border Force raided six Canberra retail outlets, seizing more than 455,000 illicit cigarettes, 26 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, 6,000 cigars, more than 1,600 vapes and about $27,000 in cash. Six people of interest with alleged links to the illicit tobacco trade were identified.",-35.279522,149.12927,"Canberra",[6665],{"id":6656,"url":6657,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6466,"occurred_on":6667,"incident_type":256,"title":6668,"summary":6669,"lat":6670,"lng":6671,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6672,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6673},"2026-04-23","Alcohol distillery factory found alight in Keysborough","A factory that distils alcohol in Keysborough was found alight on April 23, one of a series of arson attacks across Melbourne that police linked to organised crime networks using a methodology similar to that seen in the illicit tobacco turf war.",-38.005558,145.16776,"Keysborough",[6674],{"id":6519,"url":6520,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6474,"occurred_on":6667,"incident_type":67,"title":6676,"summary":6677,"lat":6678,"lng":6679,"location_precision":13,"suburb":700,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6680},"Foiled arson at France-Soir, South Yarra; two arrested","Police intercepted two people seen with jerry cans in a vehicle near France-Soir on Toorak Road, South Yarra just after 3.30am and seized jerry cans, accelerant, an imitation firearm and drugs, foiling an alleged arson\u002Fextortion attempt. A man and a woman were arrested.",-37.8385,144.9945,[6681],{"id":6682,"url":6683,"outlet":218,"published_on":6654},521,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3aw.com.au\u002Ftwo-arrested-after-suspicious-activity-near-south-yarra-restaurant\u002F",{"id":6481,"occurred_on":6654,"incident_type":42,"title":6685,"summary":6686,"lat":2965,"lng":2966,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6687,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6688},"Taskforce Eclipse launched over hospitality-venue arson campaign ('bar wars')","Victoria Police announced Taskforce Eclipse to target a coordinated arson\u002Fattempted-arson campaign against licensed hospitality venues across the CBD, inner north and inner west (concentrated around King Street), reported as an evolution of the illicit-tobacco turf war into extortion of bars\u002Fclubs. By late April 2026 more than 12 people were in custody, some juveniles, facing arson, criminal-damage-by-fire and aggravated-burglary charges. All accused are alleged only.","Melbourne (CBD)",[6689],{"id":6690,"url":6691,"outlet":6692,"published_on":6693},522,"https:\u002F\u002Fvicpolicenews.com.au\u002Ftaskforce-eclipse-melbourne-arson\u002F","Victoria Crime News","2026-05-04",{"id":6492,"occurred_on":6695,"incident_type":256,"title":6696,"summary":6697,"lat":6635,"lng":6636,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6698},"2026-04-25","Bar Bambi firebombed a second time; three teens arrested","Over the Anzac Day weekend, shortly after 5am, Bar Bambi on AC\u002FDC Lane in the CBD was found ablaze at its front entrance after a suspicious vehicle was spotted near Flinders and AC\u002FDC lanes. Firefighters controlled the fire within 15 minutes. Three teenage boys (17, 16 and 15) were arrested - the second attack on the venue in a week.",[6699],{"id":6639,"url":6640,"outlet":6641,"published_on":6642},{"id":6501,"occurred_on":6701,"incident_type":256,"title":6702,"summary":6703,"lat":6704,"lng":2810,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2272,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6705},"2026-04-26","Bar Up on Chapel Street set alight","A male offender set fire to Bar Up on Chapel Street (Prahran\u002FSouth Yarra) about 5am before fleeing on foot, part of the same weekend cluster of inner-city hospitality attacks that included a drive-by shooting at the Emerson.",-37.851,[6706],{"id":6600,"url":6601,"outlet":1267,"published_on":6602},{"id":6511,"occurred_on":6701,"incident_type":349,"title":6708,"summary":6709,"lat":2809,"lng":6710,"location_precision":13,"suburb":700,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6711},"Drive-by shooting at South Yarra venue amid inner-city crime wave","Police allege a drive-by shooting targeted a Commercial Road, South Yarra venue before 2am, weeks after a suspected arson at the same venue, amid a targeted crime wave against inner-Melbourne licensed venues reportedly linked to the tobacco-war networks.",144.992,[6712],{"id":6600,"url":6601,"outlet":1267,"published_on":6602},{"id":6714,"occurred_on":6602,"incident_type":67,"title":6715,"summary":6716,"lat":6717,"lng":6718,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6719,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6720},563,"Brisbane man charged over alleged $7 million illicit-tobacco money-laundering and visa fraud","Police executed a search warrant at a Kuraby home on 27 April 2026, seizing about $70,000 in cash and illicit vaping goods, as part of an AFP-led investigation (with the Australian Border Force and Queensland Police Service) into a man accused of moving more than $7 million from illicit tobacco sales through his bank account. The AFP alleges he is part of an organised illicit-tobacco operation and also allegedly submitted fraudulent immigration documents. He was charged with dealing with proceeds of crime, providing false or misleading information under the Migration Act, dishonestly influencing a public official and possessing a commercial quantity of vaping goods, and was due to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on 26 June 2026.",-27.605095,153.09895,"Kuraby",[6721,6723],{"id":1806,"url":6722,"outlet":2223,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.c-store.com.au\u002Fbrisbane-man-accused-of-laundering-7m-from-illicit-tobacco-sales\u002F",{"id":1563,"url":6724,"outlet":1221,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.afp.gov.au\u002Fnews-centre\u002Fmedia-release",{"id":6726,"occurred_on":6642,"incident_type":27,"title":6727,"summary":6728,"lat":6729,"lng":6730,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6731,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":6560,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6732},573,"Attempted aggravated home invasion tasked via encrypted app in Doncaster","Police allege an organised-crime network used an encrypted app to 'task' offenders to carry out an attempted aggravated home invasion in Doncaster on 28 April 2026; uniformed police intervened and stopped it. Investigators (Operation Eclipse) link the tasking to a 'crime as a service' operation directing arson and intimidation attacks on Melbourne hospitality venues, tied to the broader tobacco-store and venue arson wars.",-37.78564,145.12447,"Doncaster",[6733,6734,6736,6738],{"id":3807,"url":6563,"outlet":329,"published_on":16},{"id":4023,"url":6735,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fman-charged-after-probe-into-venue-linked-1709554\u002F",{"id":3974,"url":6737,"outlet":1309,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Faustralia-news\u002F2026\u002Fjul\u002F14\u002Fmelbourne-hospitality-hospo-wars-arrest-ntwnfb",{"id":607,"url":6739,"outlet":1010,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sheppnews.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fconsequential-arrest-in-escalating-hospitality-wars\u002F",{"id":6519,"occurred_on":6741,"incident_type":42,"title":6742,"summary":6743,"lat":6744,"lng":6745,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6746,"state":2201,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6747},"2026-04-30","Six ACT tobacconists raided across Canberra suburbs","The Australian Border Force, Access Canberra, ACT Policing and the Therapeutic Goods Administration raided six retail outlets across Canberra - including Belconnen, Narrabundah, Woden, Wright, Campbell, Dickson and Manuka - seizing 455,150 cigarettes, 26kg of loose tobacco, 1,643 vapes, 6,290 cigars and $27,400 cash, forcing the previously open illegal trade into hiding.",-35.238,149.0868,"Belconnen",[6748,6751],{"id":6749,"url":6750,"outlet":2211,"published_on":6741},523,"https:\u002F\u002Fregion.com.au\u002Fsix-act-retail-outlets-raided-in-major-illicit-tobacco-crackdown\u002F961875\u002F",{"id":6752,"url":6753,"outlet":490,"published_on":6741},524,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9235822\u002Fcanberra-raids-seize-500000-cigarettes-forcing-trade-into-shadows\u002F",{"id":6755,"occurred_on":6756,"incident_type":42,"title":6757,"summary":6758,"lat":1249,"lng":1250,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6498,"state":1252,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6759},542,"2026-05-01","Operation GOALFENCE: Border Force raids Darwin tobacconists, seizes 70,000 illicit cigarettes","Australian Border Force investigators executed warrants at tobacconists in Darwin as part of intelligence-led Operation GOALFENCE, an anti-organised-crime campaign supported by the NT Government. A warrant at a Nightcliff outlet on 29 April 2026 uncovered more than 27,000 illicit cigarettes, and two further warrants at Darwin CBD outlets on 1 May 2026 found over 43,000 more, taking the total to more than 70,000 illicit cigarettes and 17.5kg of loose-leaf tobacco, with an estimated $127,598 in evaded duty.",[6760],{"id":6761,"url":6762,"outlet":2206,"published_on":16},579,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fnewsroom-subsite\u002FPages\u002FABF-deals-a-blow-to-the-illegal-tobacco-trade-in-Darwin,-Northern-Territory.aspx",{"id":6530,"occurred_on":6764,"incident_type":209,"title":6765,"summary":6766,"lat":6767,"lng":6768,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1108,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6769},"2026-05-02","Docklands restaurant firebombed as attacks spread to hospitality venues","Police allege a Docklands restaurant was targeted in an early-morning firebombing, reportedly the second attack on the venue in three years, amid a wave of arson attacks on inner-Melbourne licensed venues reportedly tied to the tobacco-war conflict.",-37.8146,144.9469,[6770,6774],{"id":6771,"url":6772,"outlet":6641,"published_on":6773},525,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cbdnews.com.au\u002Fthree-arrested-as-police-claim-breakthrough-in-cbd-nightclub-arson-spree\u002F","2026-05-16",{"id":6600,"url":6601,"outlet":1267,"published_on":6602},{"id":6533,"occurred_on":6693,"incident_type":256,"title":6776,"summary":6777,"lat":6778,"lng":6779,"location_precision":547,"suburb":6541,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6780},"CBD nightclub targeted in back-to-back arson attacks","La Di Da nightclub on Little Bourke Street in the Melbourne CBD was targeted in back-to-back attacks: a vehicle was allegedly driven into the door about 5:20am on 4 May in an attempted arson, and about 3:30am on 5 May offenders damaged the door and poured accelerant, with one offender's clothing igniting. Part of the inner-city 'bar wars' venue-arson campaign.",-37.8115,144.9601,[6781],{"id":6771,"url":6772,"outlet":6641,"published_on":6773},{"id":6544,"occurred_on":6693,"incident_type":209,"title":6783,"summary":6784,"lat":6785,"lng":2810,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2272,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6786},"Chapel Street bar rammed in attempted arson","Police allege a vehicle was driven into the front of a Chapel Street, Prahran bar about 5:40am and jerry cans of petrol were left inside in an attempted arson, with offenders reportedly interrupted; part of a run of inner-city hospitality attacks.",-37.8516,[6787],{"id":6788,"url":6789,"outlet":218,"published_on":6693},526,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3aw.com.au\u002Fpopular-chapel-street-venue-hit-in-latest-arson-attack\u002F",{"id":6791,"occurred_on":6693,"incident_type":256,"title":6792,"summary":6793,"lat":698,"lng":699,"location_precision":13,"suburb":700,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6794},570,"South Yarra bar torched in overnight 'hospitality wars' arson spree","Police allege a South Yarra bar was torched during an overnight arson spree on 4-5 May 2026 that also struck a Melbourne CBD nightclub and a North Melbourne liquor-storage warehouse within about 24 hours, causing more than $1.1 million in damage. Three teenagers were reportedly found in a stolen car with a jerry can. Investigators say organised crime is recruiting youths via encrypted messaging apps and using arson to enforce extortion demands on late-night venues, with some businesses receiving payment demands. Police and reporting link the campaign to illicit black-market alcohol and describe it as echoing the standover playbook of Melbourne's earlier illicit-tobacco arson wave, though the full motive remains under investigation.",[6795,6797,6798,6801],{"id":3198,"url":6796,"outlet":1309,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Faustralia-news\u002F2026\u002Fmay\u002F23\u002Fmelbourne-bars-nightclubs-restaurants-firebombing-arson-attacks-arrests-crime-wave",{"id":6551,"url":6552,"outlet":6553,"published_on":16},{"id":3149,"url":6799,"outlet":6800,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fnewsdive.net\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F23\u002Fhospitality-under-siege-uncovering-the-recruitment-of-youth-for-arson-attacks-on-melbourne-s-entertainment-venues\u002F","Newsdive",{"id":3586,"url":6802,"outlet":6803,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fvicpolicenews.com.au\u002Fmelbourne-hospitality-arson-wave-2026\u002F","Victoria Police News",{"id":6805,"occurred_on":6693,"incident_type":209,"title":6806,"summary":6807,"lat":6808,"lng":6809,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6810,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6811},571,"North Melbourne liquor warehouse torched in Melbourne hospitality arson spree","A liquor storage warehouse in North Melbourne was set alight over the night of 4-5 May 2026 in a coordinated arson spree that also targeted a South Yarra bar and a Melbourne nightclub, with total damage from the attacks estimated at more than $1.1 million. Police, whose Operation Eclipse taskforce is investigating a wider wave of arson, shootings and extortion against Melbourne hospitality venues, allege young offenders were recruited via encrypted messaging apps by an organised-crime network, and some targeted businesses reportedly received demands for payment. Police allege extortion is the leading motive, though several other scenarios have not been ruled out.",-37.79841,144.94635,"North Melbourne",[6812,6813,6815],{"id":3198,"url":6796,"outlet":1309,"published_on":16},{"id":4038,"url":6814,"outlet":2834,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.geelongadvertiser.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Fmelbourne-bar-wars-estimated-damage-bill-on-hits-40m\u002Fnews-story\u002Ff01144ca503625f2de3d6b58373835c2",{"id":4540,"url":6816,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-05-20\u002Fvictoria-three-arrested-melbourne-nightclub-fires\u002F106701982",{"id":6818,"occurred_on":6819,"incident_type":209,"title":6820,"summary":6821,"lat":6822,"lng":6823,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6824,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6825},564,"2026-05-05","Yarraville venue hit by drive-by shooting amid Operation Eclipse attack wave","Police allege multiple shots were fired from a moving vehicle at a Yarraville venue (the Bodyline premises on Thomas Street) in a drive-by attack in the early hours of 5 May 2026, the same morning the La Di Da nightclub on King Street in the Melbourne CBD was firebombed. No injuries were reported. The shooting is being investigated as part of a broader wave of extortion-linked attacks on Melbourne's hospitality and nightlife sector - dubbed the 'bar wars' - under Victoria Police's Operation Eclipse, which by then was examining dozens of linked firebombings, shootings and related incidents attributed to an alleged organised-crime network.",-37.818848,144.88232,"Yarraville",[6826,6828,6831],{"id":2213,"url":6827,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fpolice-warned-nightclub-managers-ahead-of-latest-firebombing-attack-20260505-p5ztsb.html",{"id":2032,"url":6829,"outlet":6830,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Ftimesofaustralia.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbournes-underbelly-ignites-arson-and-intimidation-rock-the-city\u002F","Times of Australia",{"id":2385,"url":6832,"outlet":4803,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.upstart.net.au\u002Ffirebombing-hits-la-di-da-nightclub-in-melbournes-latest-booze-attack\u002F",{"id":6548,"occurred_on":6834,"incident_type":42,"title":6835,"summary":6836,"lat":6837,"lng":6838,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6839,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6840},"2026-05-13","Police raid Kalgoorlie-Boulder barber shop over illegal tobacco","Police raided a Kalgoorlie-Boulder barber shop on the first day WA's new illegal tobacco laws came into force, seizing almost 2,000 illegal cigarettes and around three kilograms of loose tobacco; the store was issued a closure order.",-30.74604,121.474205,"Kalgoorlie-Boulder",[6841,6844],{"id":6842,"url":6843,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},527,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-05-17\u002Fsix-shops-ordered-to-shut-under-new-illegal-tobacco-laws-\u002F106689786",{"id":6845,"url":6846,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},528,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-05-17\u002Fsix-stores-ordered-to-close-tobacco-laws-\u002F106689946",{"id":6551,"occurred_on":6848,"incident_type":42,"title":6849,"summary":6850,"lat":1249,"lng":1250,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6498,"state":1252,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6851},"2026-05-14","Border Force intercepts illicit tobacco shipment via Darwin mail carrier","The Australian Border Force intercepted 103,600 illegally imported cigarettes and 39 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco sent through an international mail carrier to Darwin.",[6852],{"id":6577,"url":6578,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6577,"occurred_on":6848,"incident_type":42,"title":6854,"summary":6855,"lat":2338,"lng":2339,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2340,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6856},"Four Perth CBD stores closed in illegal tobacco crackdown","WA Health issued closure orders to four stores in and around the Perth CBD, including one in Northbridge, after targeted inspections found breaches of the state's new illegal tobacco laws, part of a haul of more than 140,000 illegal cigarettes across six stores statewide.",[6857,6858],{"id":6842,"url":6843,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6845,"url":6846,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6586,"occurred_on":6860,"incident_type":67,"title":6861,"summary":6862,"lat":6863,"lng":322,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6541,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":3288,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6864},"2026-05-15","Three arrested in breakthrough over CBD nightclub arson spree","Police allege three people - two men from Tarneit and a from Wyndham (one allegedly armed with a machete) - were arrested over a spree of arson and attempted-arson attacks on inner-Melbourne hospitality venues, including La Di Da nightclub on Little Bourke Street (CBD) and Electric Bar on Chapel Street. They were charged with arson, attempted arson, criminal damage, burglary and motor vehicle theft. Police framed the arrests as a breakthrough in the wider 'bar wars' campaign against licensed venues.",-37.812,[6865],{"id":6771,"url":6772,"outlet":6641,"published_on":6773},{"id":6589,"occurred_on":6860,"incident_type":349,"title":6867,"summary":6868,"lat":1286,"lng":1287,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1288,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6869},"Altona North tobacco store hit in drive-by shooting at Borac Shopping Square","Police say a tobacco store at Borac Shopping Square in Altona North was shot at from a moving vehicle during the afternoon peak hour, with two shots piercing the front window of the business.",[6870,6873],{"id":6871,"url":6872,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},529,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Fnews\u002Ftobacco-store-targeted-in-melbourne-drive-by-shooting-bc-6395352667112",{"id":6874,"url":6875,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},530,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbourne-tobacco-shop-hit-in-drive-by-shooting-bc-6395398329112",{"id":6592,"occurred_on":6860,"incident_type":42,"title":6877,"summary":6878,"lat":5454,"lng":5455,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5456,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6879},"Police execute search warrant at Bunbury tobacco store","WA Police executed a search warrant at a Bunbury store two days after new illegal tobacco laws came into force, resulting in a closure order under the state's new powers to shut stores linked to illicit tobacco.",[6880,6881],{"id":6842,"url":6843,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6845,"url":6846,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6600,"occurred_on":6860,"incident_type":89,"title":6883,"summary":6884,"lat":5299,"lng":5300,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5242,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6885},"Regional Victorian supermarket extorted and ram-raided","Police allege a family-owned supermarket in Longwarry, regional Victoria, received a threatening extortion note pinned to its shopfront demanding contact within 24 hours, and days later a car was rammed through the front of the store, in an attack the family believes was linked to the illicit tobacco turf war.",[6886],{"id":6887,"url":6888,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},531,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fcrime\u002Fexperts-warn-of-new-tobaccostyle-turf-war-over-toxic-illegal-alcohol\u002Fnews-story\u002F9cc3c6d8a40553f6660d90d3e9069dcf",{"id":6620,"occurred_on":6890,"incident_type":209,"title":6891,"summary":6892,"lat":6893,"lng":6894,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2530,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6895},"2026-05-21","Richmond luxury car dealership rammed and firebombed","Offenders rammed a vehicle into a Swan Street dealership near Burnley Street, Richmond about 11.20pm, spread accelerant through the premises and over a $500,000 McLaren, then set it alight - at least one offender suffered serious burns. Two cleaners inside escaped uninjured; over $1.5M damage. A was later arrested in Melton South (2 Jul). Distinct from the Bridge Rd and Victoria St tobacco attacks.",-37.8265,145.005,[6896,6900],{"id":6897,"url":6898,"outlet":329,"published_on":6899},532,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.vic.gov.au\u002Fman-arrested-following-richmond-car-dealership-firebombing","2026-07-02",{"id":6901,"url":6902,"outlet":118,"published_on":6899},533,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fman-arrested-after-richmond-dealership-1703593\u002F",{"id":6904,"occurred_on":6905,"incident_type":209,"title":6906,"summary":6907,"lat":6908,"lng":6909,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6910,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6911},574,"2026-05-26","Suspicious fire destroys converted-factory law office building on Hudsons Road, Spotswood","A converted factory\u002Fwarehouse on Hudsons Road, Spotswood, which housed several law firms, was destroyed by a suspicious fire around 2:30am on 26 May 2026 after a ute reportedly rammed the building; nobody was hurt but about nine people were evacuated from neighbouring properties. A man was later charged over the alleged arson\u002Ffirebombing, along with separate firearms charges over a shooting at an Altona North tobacco business roughly two weeks earlier. Police allege the fire and the tobacco-shop shooting are connected offences by the same accused, and reporting places both within the wider pattern of firebombings and shootings tied to Melbourne's illicit-tobacco\u002Forganised-crime conflict; one of the fire-affected law firms was reported to have organised-crime associations.",-37.829792,144.88635,"Spotswood",[6912,6914,6916,6918,6921],{"id":4602,"url":6913,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-05-26\u002Fsuspicious-fire-destroys-spotswood-factory-building-melbourne\u002F106721096",{"id":4484,"url":6915,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-07-18\u002Fspotswood-fire-charge-after-law-firm-destroyed\u002F106931418",{"id":4593,"url":6917,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fsuspicious-inferno-guts-businesses-in-melbourne-s-west-20260526-p600mq.html",{"id":4143,"url":6919,"outlet":6920,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.victoriannews.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbourne-news\u002Fcharges-following-spotswood-factory-fire\u002F","Victorian News (Australian Community Media)",{"id":4351,"url":6922,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-charge-man-after-spotswood-factory-fire-1712360\u002F",{"id":6623,"occurred_on":6924,"incident_type":42,"title":6925,"summary":6926,"lat":104,"lng":105,"location_precision":13,"suburb":32,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6927},"2026-05-28","Sydney CBD retailers shut down over illegal tobacco and vape sales","NSW Health enforcement officers issued 90-day closure orders to 17 retailers across Sydney's CBD accused of selling illegal tobacco and vapes, including four EzyMart-branded convenience stores.",[6928],{"id":6929,"url":6930,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},534,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-05-28\u002Fezymart-sydney-shops-closed-by-nsw-health-illegal-tobacco\u002F106731260",{"id":6639,"occurred_on":6924,"incident_type":42,"title":6932,"summary":6933,"lat":1249,"lng":1250,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6498,"state":1252,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6934},"Border Force seizes multimillion-dollar illicit tobacco haul in Darwin","The Australian Border Force raided a storage facility in Darwin, seizing 433,400 illicit cigarettes, 686 kilograms of illegal loose-leaf tobacco and 50,200 single-use vapes, worth an estimated $1.8 million in evaded duty taxes. No arrests had been made as of the following week.",[6935,6936],{"id":6577,"url":6578,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6937,"url":6938,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},535,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-06-03\u002Fdarwin-raid-illicit-tobacco-may-28-2026\u002F106754884",{"id":6940,"occurred_on":6941,"incident_type":67,"title":6942,"summary":6943,"lat":1286,"lng":1287,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1288,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6944},667,"2026-05-30","Police charge man over Altona North tobacconist drive-by shooting","Police reportedly charged a man over an alleged drive-by shooting at a tobacconist in Altona North.",[6945],{"id":6946,"url":6947,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},872,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-victoria\u002Fpolice-charge-man-over-altona-north-driveby-tobacconist-shooting\u002Fnews-story\u002F0890eb2c80fdd5687715ced5b1103f71",{"id":6949,"occurred_on":6950,"incident_type":209,"title":6951,"summary":6952,"lat":6953,"lng":6954,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6955,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6956},668,"2026-06-01","Tobacco shop firebombed in Padstow","Media report a firebomb attack in Padstow amid fears Sydney illicit-tobacco conflict is escalating.",-33.948677,151.02966,"Padstow",[6957],{"id":6958,"url":6959,"outlet":5433,"published_on":16},874,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fnsw\u002Ffirebomb-attack-raises-fears-sydneys-tobacco-wars-are-escalating\u002Fnews-story\u002F5532d664c215e8d384843deaf3049afe",{"id":6652,"occurred_on":6950,"incident_type":67,"title":6961,"summary":6962,"lat":6347,"lng":6348,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6349,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6963},"Second Christie Downs man charged over Payneham office arson","A third person, also from Christie Downs, was charged in June 2026 over the Payneham office block arson, which SA Police allege was directed by organised crime figures.",[6964],{"id":5920,"url":5921,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":6656,"occurred_on":6950,"incident_type":256,"title":6966,"summary":6967,"lat":5094,"lng":5095,"location_precision":13,"suburb":5096,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6968},"Mentone tobacco shop destroyed after extortion note left at door","A tobacco shop operator in Mentone found a suspected extortion note pinned to their door before the business was destroyed in a firebombing in late June.",[6969],{"id":6970,"url":6971,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},536,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fwhy-innocent-tobacco-shops-are-the-target-of-renewed-firebombings-20260706-p60cye.html",{"id":6682,"occurred_on":6973,"incident_type":42,"title":6974,"summary":6975,"lat":6976,"lng":6977,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6978,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6979},"2026-06-03","Operation SLOANE shuts five illegal tobacconists in Cessnock","NSW Police and NSW Health inspectors conducted joint inspections at six Cessnock CBD businesses under Operation SLOANE, closing five illegal tobacconists for 90 days and seizing 208,745 cigarettes, over 39kg of loose tobacco leaf, 852 vapes, 35 nicotine pouches and $33,000 cash, worth an estimated $260,500.",-32.8333,151.35,"Cessnock",[6980],{"id":6981,"url":6982,"outlet":118,"published_on":6983},537,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fillegal-tobacconists-shut-in-cessnock-crackdown-1687518\u002F","2026-06-06",{"id":6690,"occurred_on":6985,"incident_type":42,"title":6986,"summary":6987,"lat":2338,"lng":2339,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2340,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6988},"2026-06-10","Almost 50 Perth shops forcibly closed in illegal tobacco crackdown","WA Health authorities, police and the Australian Border Force closed almost 50 stores across suburban Perth over two weeks as part of Operation Claudere, seizing more than $11 million worth of illegal tobacco and vape products, including more than one tonne of loose tobacco and 5.4 million cigarettes.",[6989],{"id":6990,"url":6991,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},538,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-06-17\u002F50-perth-shops-shut-illegal-vape-tobacco-crackdown\u002F106808746",{"id":6749,"occurred_on":6993,"incident_type":42,"title":6994,"summary":6995,"lat":6996,"lng":6997,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6998,"state":4275,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":6999},"2026-06-15","Operation TEMPEST: freight-facility raids seize 365,000+ cigarettes in Tasmania","Australian Border Force-led Operation TEMPEST saw Tasmania Police and Tobacco Control officers raid freight forwarding facilities at St Leonards (Launceston), Bridgewater, Goodwood and Mornington, seizing over 365,000 illicit cigarettes, 156kg of loose-leaf tobacco and 1,600+ vaping devices; combined with Victorian seizures, the national operation totalled about 2 million cigarettes and $7.9 million in evaded duty.",-41.4332,147.1441,"Launceston",[7000],{"id":3434,"url":7001,"outlet":4283,"published_on":7002},"https:\u002F\u002Fpulsetasmania.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmore-than-365000-illicit-cigarettes-seized-in-tasmanian-freight-raids\u002F","2026-06-29",{"id":6752,"occurred_on":6993,"incident_type":42,"title":7004,"summary":7005,"lat":7006,"lng":7007,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1977,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7008},"ABF-led National Disruption Group tobacco raids (Geelong, Melbourne)","During a week of action 15-19 June 2026, an ABF-led multi-agency operation targeted ~20 locations including retailers in Geelong and warehouses in Melbourne. Victorian results: 1.6M+ illicit cigarettes, 1.8 tonnes loose-leaf tobacco, 5,400+ vapes, 11,107 nicotine pouches and 2,013 nitrous canisters seized, ~AUD$6M avoided excise; seven persons of interest identified in Victoria.",-38.15,144.36,[7009],{"id":4241,"url":7010,"outlet":2223,"published_on":7011},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.c-store.com.au\u002Ftwo-million-cigarettes-seized-in-vic-and-tas-tobacco-crackdown\u002F","2026-06-30",{"id":7013,"occurred_on":7014,"incident_type":42,"title":7015,"summary":7016,"lat":7017,"lng":7018,"location_precision":323,"suburb":7019,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7020},545,"2026-06-16","Multi-agency raids seize $23m of illicit tobacco across South East Queensland","Almost 100 officers from six agencies (ABF, TGA, ATO, AFP, Queensland Police and Queensland Health) executed warrants and compliance actions at five retail outlets, four commercial premises and seven homes across South East Queensland over two days. Police allege they seized more than 13.7 million illicit cigarettes, over 380kg of loose tobacco, more than 27,000 vapes, 30,000 nicotine pouches, cash, a cash counting machine and other items, worth about $23.4 million in combined evaded duty and street value. Eight people were identified as persons of interest and the AFP placed a temporary hold on a bank account allegedly linked to the crime network.",-27.55,153.02,"South East Queensland",[7021],{"id":7022,"url":7023,"outlet":2223,"published_on":16},582,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.c-store.com.au\u002Ffederal-agencies-seize-23m-in-illicit-tobacco-in-qld-crackdown\u002F",{"id":6771,"occurred_on":7025,"incident_type":42,"title":7026,"summary":7027,"lat":7028,"lng":7029,"location_precision":547,"suburb":7030,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7031},"2026-06-19","Victorian man charged after $447,750 cash found at Monteith stop","Operation Eclipse detectives stopped a Victorian-registered sedan on the Princes Highway at Monteith about 4pm, finding a shopping bag containing $447,750 cash suspected to be proceeds of illicit tobacco sales in SA. A Victorian man was arrested and charged with money laundering.",-35.1667,139.3167,"Monteith",[7032],{"id":6023,"url":7033,"outlet":118,"published_on":7034},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fpolice-arrest-man-at-monteith-1696374\u002F","2026-06-20",{"id":6788,"occurred_on":7036,"incident_type":209,"title":7037,"summary":7038,"lat":1500,"lng":1501,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1502,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7039},"2026-06-22","Elite Barbers on Barry Road, Thomastown, firebombed overnight","Just before midnight, arsonists smashed a window and door at Elite Barbers on Barry Road, Thomastown, and set a fire inside. The attack was reported as part of a coordinated overnight pair of arsons with a tobacco shop fire in Warragul, with police and media linking the pattern to Victoria's illicit tobacco conflict.",[7040,7042,7045],{"id":6755,"url":7041,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Fnews\u002Farson-attacks-hit-victoria-businesses-in-tobacco-wars-bc-6399149067112",{"id":4980,"url":7043,"outlet":265,"published_on":7044},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=ibMgVfS23T0","2026-06-23",{"id":5811,"url":7046,"outlet":7047,"published_on":7044},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002F9NewsMelbourne\u002Fposts\u002Farsonists-have-firebombed-a-barbershop-in-thomastown-overnight-9news\u002F1349850957296291\u002F","9News Melbourne",{"id":6842,"occurred_on":7049,"incident_type":89,"title":7050,"summary":7051,"lat":7052,"lng":7053,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1851,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7054},"2026-06-24","Albert Street convenience store ram-raided, Warragul","A vehicle rammed the front of a recently opened convenience store on Albert Street, Warragul (opened 8 June 2026). Police later tied it to the illicit tobacco trade after a suspected arson destroyed the same store six days later; tobacco products were found inside.",-38.1543,145.932,[7055,7057],{"id":7013,"url":7056,"outlet":5247,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thegazette.com.au\u002Fheadline-645\u002F",{"id":3109,"url":7058,"outlet":7059,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fpakenhamgazette.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-06-29\u002Fconvenience-store-hit-twice-in-tobacco-war\u002F","Pakenham Gazette",{"id":6845,"occurred_on":7049,"incident_type":42,"title":7061,"summary":7062,"lat":7063,"lng":7064,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7065,"state":4275,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7066},"Illicit cigarettes, vapes and drugs intercepted on Spirit of Tasmania ferry, Devonport","Police allege two women in their twenties were intercepted at the Devonport ferry terminal with 34 cartons of illicit cigarettes, approximately 76 vapes, cocaine and a large quantity of ice; a senator said the case showed illegal tobacco was intertwined with broader drug trafficking and organised crime operating through Tasmanian ports.",-41.1789,146.35,"Devonport",[7067],{"id":4942,"url":7068,"outlet":7069,"published_on":6286},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.examiner.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9299015\u002Ftasmanias-illegal-tobacco-trade-fueling-criminal-networks\u002F","The Examiner (Launceston)",{"id":6871,"occurred_on":7071,"incident_type":209,"title":7072,"summary":7073,"lat":7074,"lng":7075,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7076,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7077},"2026-06-28","Athol Park tobacco shop firebombed; neighbouring laundromat smoke-damaged","Suspects were caught on camera running from a tobacco shop in Athol Park after it was firebombed. Thick smoke filled a neighbouring laundromat; the laundromat owner said it was the third attack affecting their business. Police and media linked the arson to South Australia's illicit tobacco conflict.",-34.85614,138.54308,"Athol Park",[7078],{"id":7079,"url":7080,"outlet":2982,"published_on":7071},548,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002F7NEWSAdelaide\u002Fvideos\u002Fa-man-suspected-of-operating-an-illegal-tobacco-store-has-gone-to-bizarre-length\u002F1310991654556905\u002F",{"id":6874,"occurred_on":7011,"incident_type":209,"title":7082,"summary":7083,"lat":7052,"lng":7053,"location_precision":547,"suburb":1851,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7084},"Albert Street convenience store destroyed by fire, Warragul","Just after midnight, a suspected arson engulfed the recently opened Albert Street convenience store in Warragul; CFA crews took more than three hours to control the blaze and a small white vehicle was seen nearby. Police allege the store was tied to the illicit tobacco trade and said the fire may be related to the ram-raid on the same store six days earlier.",[7085,7086,7087],{"id":7013,"url":7056,"outlet":5247,"published_on":16},{"id":6970,"url":6971,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":405,"url":7088,"outlet":7089,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.standard.net.au\u002Fstory\u002F9305077\u002Ftobacco-wars-flare-in-city-after-ram-raid-fires\u002F","The Standard (ACM)",{"id":6887,"occurred_on":7011,"incident_type":209,"title":7091,"summary":7092,"lat":2528,"lng":2529,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2530,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7093},"Tobacco shop firebombed on Bridge Road, Richmond","Police allege a tobacco shop on the ground floor of a double-storey building on Bridge Road, Richmond, was set alight about 3.30am. Three residents were evacuated from the first floor and Bridge Road was closed between Church Street and Lennox Street, suspending tram services for hours. Police are treating the fire as suspicious.",[7094,7096,7097,7099,7101,7103,7105,7108,7110,7114,7118,7121],{"id":418,"url":7095,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-07-01\u002Frichmond-suspicious-fire-police\u002F106863786",{"id":6970,"url":6971,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},{"id":456,"url":7098,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Flisten\u002Fprograms\u002Fmelbourne-mornings\u002Fmayor-says-tobacco-wars-making-melbourne-a-warzone-\u002F106883986",{"id":1200,"url":7100,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-victoria\u002Fsuspicious-fire-guts-richmond-tobacco-shop-and-forces-bridge-road-closure\u002Fnews-story\u002F8a4adffdc5a26b91c53b269b8e380554",{"id":1929,"url":7102,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fcrime\u002Fmayor-compares-melbourne-to-beirut-or-belfast-in-the-70s-after-devastating-fire\u002Fnews-story\u002Fc446dd5ce790a9c932d05d23c167cf55",{"id":4105,"url":7104,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Ftobacco-shop-firebombed-in-melbourne-20260701-p60bj1.html",{"id":4824,"url":7106,"outlet":6059,"published_on":7107},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.victoriannews.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbourne-news\u002Ffirefighters-contain-richmond-illicit-smoke-shop-blaze\u002F","2026-07-01",{"id":6118,"url":7109,"outlet":329,"published_on":7107},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.vic.gov.au\u002Fpolice-investigate-richmond-tobacco-store-fire",{"id":7111,"url":7112,"outlet":7113,"published_on":7107},558,"https:\u002F\u002Ftooraktimes.com.au\u002Fsuspicious-richmond-tobacco-shop-fire-sparks-major-emergency-response\u002F","Toorak Times",{"id":7115,"url":7116,"outlet":7117,"published_on":7107},559,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.victoriannews.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbourne-news\u002Ffirefighters-contain-richmond-illicit-smoke-shop-blaze\u002F?amp=1","VicNews",{"id":6205,"url":7119,"outlet":23,"published_on":7120},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sbs.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Farticle\u002Ffirefighters-battle-inner-melbourne-blaze-across-10-shops-after-ram-raid\u002Fnj5lzqpwf","2026-07-06",{"id":7122,"url":7123,"outlet":1267,"published_on":7120},560,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.canberratimes.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9305077\u002Ftobacco-wars-flare-in-city-after-ram-raid-fires\u002F",{"id":6897,"occurred_on":7011,"incident_type":256,"title":7125,"summary":7126,"lat":5094,"lng":5095,"location_precision":547,"suburb":5096,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7127},"Suspicious fire at suspected illicit-tobacco store in Mentone","About 4:04am a suspected illicit-tobacco store on Lower Dandenong Road, Mentone, was extensively damaged in a fire treated as suspicious. Firefighters stopped it spreading to adjoining shops; a ruptured gas line and downed powerlines also ignited. A crime scene was established; no arrests reported.",[7128,7130,7131,7133,7136],{"id":6261,"url":7129,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-06-30\u002Fmentone-suspicious-fire-ram-raid-police\u002F106859202",{"id":418,"url":7095,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":5194,"url":7132,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fvictoria\u002Frichmond-shopping-strip-gutted-by-fire-after-car-rammed-into-tobacco-store\u002Fnews-story\u002Fef7d070853ae6988caebab8a1816584e",{"id":7134,"url":7135,"outlet":621,"published_on":16},873,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fvic\u002Fominous-note-left-at-convenience-store-before-firebombing-attack-20260630-p60bgs.html",{"id":6714,"url":7137,"outlet":6059,"published_on":7011},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.victoriannews.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbourne-news\u002Ffirefighters-contain-mentone-shop-fire\u002F",{"id":6901,"occurred_on":6899,"incident_type":8,"title":7139,"summary":7140,"lat":7141,"lng":7142,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7143,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7144},"Teen charged over 'tasking' offenders in Operation Eclipse","A was charged in Cranbourne with possessing proceeds of crime and a controlled weapon as part of Operation Eclipse's investigation into a 'handle' believed to be tasking offenders to attack Melbourne's licensed venues; police seized four phones, other devices, an extendable baton and four bank cards not in his name.",-38.099,145.283,"Cranbourne",[7145],{"id":6818,"url":7146,"outlet":329,"published_on":7147},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.vic.gov.au\u002Fteen-charged-following-eclipse-investigation-handle-tasking-offenders","2026-07-03",{"id":6929,"occurred_on":7147,"incident_type":256,"title":7149,"summary":7150,"lat":3448,"lng":3449,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3450,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7151},"Suspicious $1m multi-shop fire at Pooraka linked to tobacco war","About 1:30am, police and the Metropolitan Fire Service were called to a group of shops on Bridge Road, Pooraka, after a fire caused about $1 million in damage and forced multiple businesses and a medical centre to close. Operation Eclipse detectives are investigating alleged links to the illegal tobacco trade.",[7152,7155],{"id":100,"url":7153,"outlet":7154,"published_on":7147},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.sa.gov.au\u002Fsa-police-news-assets\u002Ffront-page-news\u002Fpooraka-fire-investigated-by-operation-eclipse","SA Police",{"id":65,"url":7156,"outlet":7154,"published_on":7147},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.sa.gov.au\u002Fsa-police-news-assets\u002Feastern-police-district\u002Fsuspicious-fire-at-pooraka",{"id":6937,"occurred_on":7120,"incident_type":209,"title":7158,"summary":7159,"lat":7160,"lng":7161,"location_precision":547,"suburb":2530,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7162},"Ram raid and fire tear through 10 businesses on Richmond's Victoria Street","A vehicle rammed a street-level tobacco store on Victoria Street, Richmond, about 4.15am before the building was set alight; the fire spread to damage at least ten businesses, requiring more than 80 firefighters. It was the third firebombing to hit Richmond in six weeks (following the Bridge Road and Swan Street incidents), prompting the local mayor to describe a 'cancer of unchecked firebombings' tied to the illicit tobacco trade.",-37.809793,144.993306,[7163,7165,7166,7167,7168,7170,7173,7175,7176,7177,7179],{"id":2057,"url":7164,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F7news-live-updates-ram-raid-tobacco-shop-firebombing-in-melbourne-causes-major-blaze-across-five-richmond-shops-c-22534655",{"id":456,"url":7098,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},{"id":1929,"url":7102,"outlet":98,"published_on":16},{"id":5194,"url":7132,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},{"id":3227,"url":7169,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Fnews\u002Fram-raid-ignites-inferno-destroying-five-richmond-businesses-bc-6400290967112",{"id":7171,"url":7172,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},569,"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Fnews\u002Fdozen-businesses-destroyed-in-melbourne-tobacco-war-firebombing-bc-6400327704112",{"id":6791,"url":7174,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-07-06\u002Frichmond-businesses-on-fire-after-shop-ramming\u002F106883046",{"id":6205,"url":7119,"outlet":23,"published_on":7120},{"id":7122,"url":7123,"outlet":1267,"published_on":7120},{"id":6805,"url":7178,"outlet":1548,"published_on":7120},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thecourier.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9305077\u002Ftobacco-wars-explode-10-shops-go-up-in-smoke\u002F",{"id":6555,"url":7180,"outlet":921,"published_on":7120},"https:\u002F\u002Fthenightly.com.au\u002Faustralia\u002Fmelbourne-tobacco-shops-set-alight-in-abbotsford-80-firefighters-battle-blaze-c-22534949",{"id":6970,"occurred_on":3805,"incident_type":256,"title":7182,"summary":7183,"lat":2921,"lng":6507,"location_precision":547,"suburb":6508,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7184},"Second deliberate fire at same Norwood business in three months","Emergency services responded about 1:45am to another deliberately lit fire at a business on Beulah Road, Norwood - the same street targeted in April - causing extensive damage and prompting evacuation of nearby homes as a precaution. No injuries were reported.",[7185],{"id":6726,"url":7186,"outlet":118,"published_on":3805},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fnorwood-business-damaged-in-suspicious-fire-1705477\u002F",{"id":6981,"occurred_on":7188,"incident_type":209,"title":7189,"summary":7190,"lat":3978,"lng":3979,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1692,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7191},"2026-07-08","Home firebombed and business ram-raided in Truganina","Police allege the same offenders firebombed a double-storey home on Cabarita Street, Truganina, about 4.45am, then drove a vehicle about three kilometres to ram a business on Dohertys Road several times before setting the vehicle alight. No one was inside the home; detectives are treating the two connected attacks as suspicious.",[7192,7194,7197],{"id":6904,"url":7193,"outlet":749,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.heraldsun.com.au\u002Ftruecrimeaustralia\u002Fpolice-courts-victoria\u002Fhome-firebombed-and-business-ramraided-in-connected-attacks-in-melbournes-west\u002Fnews-story\u002Ff947936928c82ce683f225c68053e969",{"id":7195,"url":7196,"outlet":3362,"published_on":16},678,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.frv.vic.gov.au\u002Ffirefighters-respond-truganina-house-fire",{"id":7198,"url":7199,"outlet":7200,"published_on":16},679,"https:\u002F\u002Fwyndham.starweekly.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Ftruganina-house-fire-suspicious\u002F","Star Weekly (Wyndham)",{"id":6990,"occurred_on":7202,"incident_type":42,"title":7203,"summary":7204,"lat":3002,"lng":3003,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3004,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7205},"2026-07-10","Over $1M in illicit tobacco seized from store in Adelaide's north","Consumer and Business Services (CBS), working with SAPOL's Operation Eclipse, Border Force and the TGA, reportedly seized over $1 million worth of illicit tobacco and vapes from a single store in Adelaide's north — the largest single-inspection seizure since the dedicated taskforce was established. Authorities reportedly sought a long-term closure order against the premises. The same announcement noted the taskforce had also conducted raids in the Murraylands and Adelaide Hills, seizing more than 200,000 cigarettes, 50 kg of loose tobacco and nearly 850 vapes valued at over $225,000.",[7206],{"id":7207,"url":7208,"outlet":7209,"published_on":16},575,"https:\u002F\u002Fpremier.sa.gov.au\u002Fmedia-releases\u002Fnews-items\u002F$1-million-illicit-tobacco-bust-in-adelaides-north","Premier of South Australia",{"id":7079,"occurred_on":7211,"incident_type":67,"title":7212,"summary":7213,"lat":7214,"lng":7215,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7216,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7217},"2026-07-14","Man arrested in Essendon over alleged organised-crime arson and extortion campaign","Police allege a man arrested at an Essendon home was a high-ranking member of an organised-crime group whose leader is offshore, and that he directed offenders, some of them teenagers, via encrypted apps to carry out arson attacks on hospitality venues and tobacco shops, an alleged mistaken-identity kidnapping at Malvern, and an attempted aggravated home invasion at Doncaster. He faces charges including extortion with threats to kill, kidnapping, false imprisonment and aggravated home invasion. The arrest is part of Operation Eclipse, which is investigating a wave of attacks reportedly tied to disputes over the illicit tobacco and hospitality trade.",-37.74976,144.90916,"Essendon",[7218,7221,7224],{"id":7219,"url":7220,"outlet":4349,"published_on":16},585,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thecourier.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9310322\u002Fconsequential-arrest-in-escalating-hospitality-wars\u002F",{"id":7222,"url":7223,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},690,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-07-14\u002Fpolice-operation-eclipse-melbourne-arson-arrest\u002F106912436",{"id":7225,"url":7226,"outlet":6641,"published_on":16},691,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cbdnews.com.au\u002Ftwenty-year-old-criminal-tasker-arrested-over-firebombings\u002F",{"id":7115,"occurred_on":7211,"incident_type":349,"title":7228,"summary":7229,"lat":7230,"lng":7231,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2104,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7232},"House shot at on Payne Street, Gladstone Park","More than a dozen shots were reportedly fired from a passing vehicle into a house on Payne Street in Gladstone Park just before 11:15pm, damaging the property. It was understood to be unoccupied and no one was injured. Police allege the attack was targeted, and detectives from the Armed Crime Squad are investigating possible links to earlier incidents at the same address amid the ongoing organised-crime conflict.",-37.69019,144.89453,[7233,7236,7239],{"id":7234,"url":7235,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},596,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fshots-fired-at-gladstone-park-house-police-probe-1710143\u002F",{"id":7237,"url":7238,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},680,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-07-15\u002Fdrive-by-shooting-kealba-gladstone-park-melbourne\u002F106917708",{"id":7240,"url":7241,"outlet":7242,"published_on":16},681,"https:\u002F\u002Fnorthern.starweekly.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fshots-fired-at-gladstone-park-home\u002F","Star Weekly (Northern)",{"id":7207,"occurred_on":7211,"incident_type":67,"title":7244,"summary":7245,"lat":7246,"lng":7247,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7248,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7249},"Three teenagers charged in ongoing tobacco-store extortion and fire probe after Collingwood car theft","Victoria Police say detectives from Yarra and Moorabbin crime investigation units executed search warrants at three properties and charged three teenagers with theft of a motor vehicle, allegedly stolen in Collingwood on 19 June. Police say the charges form part of an ongoing investigation into a series of extortion incidents at tobacco stores in the Yarra and Mentone areas, and that they are examining whether the vehicle was used in related offending. Detectives are still appealing for information about the 30 June Mentone firebombing in which a business was reportedly rammed then set alight.",-37.80194,144.98685,"Collingwood",[7250,7252],{"id":4473,"url":7251,"outlet":329,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.vic.gov.au\u002Fongoing-tobacco-fire-investigation-three-charged-following-collingwood-car-theft",{"id":7253,"url":7254,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},692,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fthree-charged-after-collingwood-car-theft-fire-1710757\u002F",{"id":7122,"occurred_on":7256,"incident_type":209,"title":7257,"summary":7258,"lat":1174,"lng":1175,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1176,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7259},"2026-07-16","Furniture store ram-raided and set alight on Mickleham Road, Tullamarine","A car was reportedly driven into the front of a factory housing a furniture store on Mickleham Road in Tullamarine and set alight about 3.45am. Firefighters entered from the rear and brought the blaze under control. Fire Rescue Victoria deemed the fire suspicious and handed the scene to police to investigate, amid the wider wave of arson and ram-raid attacks linked to the organised-crime conflict.",[7260,7263],{"id":7261,"url":7262,"outlet":3953,"published_on":16},597,"https:\u002F\u002Fstarweekly.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026\u002F07\u002F16\u002Ftullamarine-furniture-store-fire\u002F",{"id":7264,"url":7265,"outlet":7242,"published_on":16},682,"https:\u002F\u002Fnorthern.starweekly.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Ftullamarine-furniture-store-fire\u002F",{"id":7171,"occurred_on":7267,"incident_type":67,"title":7268,"summary":7269,"lat":6908,"lng":6909,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6910,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7270},"2026-07-18","Man charged over Spotswood premises fire and Altona North tobacco-store shooting","Victoria Police charged a man with arson, reckless conduct endangering life, firearm-possession, drug, stolen-goods and bail offences over a 26 May fire that destroyed a business premises on Hudsons Road, Spotswood, and a 12 May shooting reported to have been outside a tobacco store in Altona North. He was remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 16 October.",[7271,7273,7276,7278],{"id":3477,"url":7272,"outlet":329,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.vic.gov.au\u002Fman-charged-following-spotswood-factory-fire",{"id":3263,"url":7274,"outlet":7275,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ratednews.com\u002Farticle\u002Fman-charged-over-law-firm-fire-and-tobacco-shooting-in-melbo-93503016","Rated News",{"id":3604,"url":7277,"outlet":6800,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fnewsdive.net\u002F2026\u002F07\u002F18\u002Findividual-faces-charges-related-to-law-office-blaze-and-tobacco-store-shooting-in-melbourne-s-western-suburbs\u002F",{"id":3399,"url":7279,"outlet":7280,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.victoriannews.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbourne-news\u002Fsuspicious-factory-fire-in-spotswood\u002F","Victorian News",{"id":3442,"occurred_on":7282,"incident_type":67,"title":7283,"summary":7284,"lat":7285,"lng":7286,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1920,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7287},"2026-08-01","Operation Eclipse charge after multi-suburb raids tied to alleged market-control violence","Victoria Police say Operation Eclipse detectives charged a teenager after search warrants on 31 July 2026 at addresses in Fraser Rise, Keilor Downs and Port Melbourne. Police allege the operation targets an organised-crime group accused of tasking attacks on licensed venues via encrypted apps and of violence used to extort businesses and seek control of illicit drug and tobacco markets. Suspected drugs, weapons, alleged counterfeit notes and phones were seized; a second teenager was interviewed and released pending further inquiries. The charged person was due before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 August 2026.",-37.70532,144.71727,[7288],{"id":5210,"url":7289,"outlet":329,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.vic.gov.au\u002Fman-charged-part-investigation-anonymous-tasking-offenders-online-encrypted-apps",{"id":6267,"occurred_on":7291,"incident_type":27,"title":7292,"summary":7293,"lat":1601,"lng":1602,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1192,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7294},"2026-08-02","Morwell kidnapping allegedly tied to illicit-tobacco market control","Police and media report an organised-crime group allegedly ordered the broad-daylight kidnapping and assault of a relative of a tobacco store owner in Morwell after the owner refused to hand over control of the outlet.",[7295],{"id":7296,"url":7297,"outlet":359,"published_on":16},675,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theage.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvictoria\u002Fkidnapping-is-the-new-firebombing-as-tobacco-war-rolls-on-despite-jailing-of-kingpin-20260805-p60lig.html",{"id":4249,"occurred_on":7299,"incident_type":256,"title":7300,"summary":7301,"lat":7302,"lng":7303,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7304,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7305},"2026-08-03","Rooty Hill convenience store destroyed in targeted arson after prior illicit-tobacco shutdown","Police say a grocery\u002Fconvenience store on Barker Street in Rooty Hill, western Sydney, was deliberately set alight in the early hours, with the blaze causing major damage including partial roof collapse. The premises had earlier been shut down over alleged illicit tobacco sales, and police are treating the fire as a targeted arson while seeking those responsible.",-33.768803,150.84175,"Rooty Hill",[7306],{"id":5029,"url":7307,"outlet":265,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002F7news.com.au\u002Fvideo\u002Fnews\u002Farson-attack-destroys-rooty-hill-grocery-store-bc-6402670171112",{"id":6032,"occurred_on":7309,"incident_type":67,"title":7310,"summary":7311,"lat":7312,"lng":7313,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7314,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7315},"2026-08-07","Operation Eclipse charges teen after raids over shopfront threat notes and arson probe","Operation Eclipse detectives executed a search warrant at a Moonee Valley home and charged a over alleged drug trafficking and possession, counterfeit money, proceeds-related offending, and failing to assist with encrypted data. Police say the teen is being investigated over alleged tasking for an offshore organised-crime network and link 19 shopfront notes found across Melbourne and regional Victoria that told owners to contact a suspected crime group, including notes placed before suspected arson damage to businesses such as a Richmond tobacco store. Phones, SIM cards, drugs, counterfeit currency and cash were seized; the probe into extortion and control of illicit tobacco and drug markets continues.",-33.173332,151.62611,"Moonee Valley",[7316],{"id":4905,"url":7317,"outlet":329,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.vic.gov.au\u002Fteen-charged-part-investigation-call-commission-notes-left-storefronts",{"id":6761,"occurred_on":7309,"incident_type":89,"title":7319,"summary":7320,"lat":4477,"lng":4478,"location_precision":13,"suburb":653,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7321},"Wodonga High Street tobacco and vape shop ram-raided","Police are investigating after a vehicle was reportedly driven into the front of a High Street tobacco and vape business in Wodonga early on 7 August 2026, causing major shopfront damage. Detectives established a crime scene and sought CCTV as inquiries continued into the targeted ram raid.",[7322,7324],{"id":4615,"url":7323,"outlet":625,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bordermail.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9325704\u002Fram-raid-on-high-street-wodonga-tobacco-vape-business-police\u002F",{"id":7325,"url":7326,"outlet":6151,"published_on":16},684,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dailyadvertiser.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9326718\u002Fculcairn-ampol-break-in-linked-to-car-fire-wodonga-ram-raid\u002F",{"id":4988,"occurred_on":7309,"incident_type":8,"title":7328,"summary":7329,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7330},"County Court jails man over large-scale illicit tobacco importations","On 7 August 2026 the County Court of Victoria sentenced a man to four years and six months' jail over multiple large-scale illicit tobacco importations investigated by the ABF-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce. Authorities said four shipments contained about 20.2 million cigarettes and 8.7 tonnes of loose-leaf tobacco, with potential duty evasion of about $23.8 million.",[7331,7333],{"id":5014,"url":7332,"outlet":2206,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fnewsroom-subsite\u002FPages\u002FVictorian-man-jailed-for-multiple-illicit-tobacco-imports.aspx",{"id":7334,"url":7335,"outlet":2223,"published_on":16},693,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.c-store.com.au\u002Fvictorian-man-jailed-over-23-8m-illicit-tobacco-smuggling-operation\u002F",{"id":5820,"occurred_on":7309,"incident_type":8,"title":7337,"summary":7338,"lat":104,"lng":105,"location_precision":13,"suburb":32,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7339},"Sydney court sentences man over illicit tobacco and vape distribution network","On 7 August 2026 a man was sentenced in Sydney over alleged involvement in an organised illicit tobacco and vape importation and distribution network in NSW, following Operation CALOR warrants executed by the ABF-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce and partners. Authorities reported seizures including about 5.6 million cigarettes, 404kg of loose-leaf tobacco and 210,000 vapes with an estimated street value of about $12.5 million; the court imposed intensive correction orders and a substantial fine after guilty pleas.",[7340],{"id":5516,"url":7341,"outlet":2206,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fnewsroom-subsite\u002FPages\u002FIllicit-tobacco-boss-sentenced-in-Sydney.aspx",{"id":7022,"occurred_on":7343,"incident_type":42,"title":7344,"summary":7345,"lat":7346,"lng":7347,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7348,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7349},"2026-08-11","Operation Shorthand raids more than 100 service stations over alleged illicit tobacco and vapes","Police and partner agencies under the Illicit Tobacco National Disruption Group reportedly conducted coordinated raids on more than 100 service stations across six jurisdictions, alleging links to organised crime and the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes. Authorities say about 250 officers from 15 agencies took part; the operation remains active while seized material is assessed, and some sites reportedly face temporary closure.",-33.908348,151.19102,"Alexandria",[7350],{"id":5284,"url":7351,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-08-11\u002Fservice-stations-raided-over-illegal-tobacco-vapes\u002F107025288",{"id":3116,"occurred_on":7343,"incident_type":42,"title":7353,"summary":7354,"lat":730,"lng":731,"location_precision":13,"suburb":732,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7355},"Joint raids in Tasmania and Victoria over alleged illicit-tobacco cash movement","Police allege Tasmania Joint Organised Crime Taskforce members and Victoria Police VIPER Taskforce executed coordinated warrants on 11 August at properties in Melrose and Sorell in Tasmania and Hoppers Crossing in Victoria over the alleged movement of millions of dollars in cash suspected to be proceeds from illicit tobacco sales. Officers reportedly seized more than $2.5 million in tobacco product, more than $1 million in cash, precious metals, firearms and other items, with people later charged with proceeds-of-crime offences.",[7356],{"id":5407,"url":7357,"outlet":329,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.vic.gov.au\u002Ftwo-men-charged-one-arrested-over-alleged-cash-smuggling-operation-linked-illegal-tobacco-trade",{"id":4951,"occurred_on":7359,"incident_type":8,"title":7360,"summary":7361,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7362},"2026-08-12","Melbourne court appearance over alleged Tasmania-Victoria illicit-tobacco cash smuggling","Two people appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 12 August after a joint AFP, Tasmania Police, Victoria Police and Australian Border Force investigation into the alleged movement of criminal cash between Tasmania and Victoria linked to illicit tobacco. Police allege hire cars and a commercial vessel were used to move proceeds; both were charged with knowingly and recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and bailed to reappear later.",[7363],{"id":5729,"url":7364,"outlet":2206,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fnewsroom-subsite\u002FPages\u002FThree-men-arrested-over-alleged-multi-million-dollar-cash-smuggling-operation-linked-to-illegal-tobacco-trade-.aspx",{"id":6274,"occurred_on":7366,"incident_type":42,"title":7367,"summary":7368,"lat":7369,"lng":7370,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7371,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7372},"2026-08-17","Manjimup tobacco and vape store closed after major illicit products seizure","Police reportedly closed a Manjimup tobacco and vape store after seizing an estimated $460,000 worth of illegal products.",-34.241257,116.146454,"Manjimup",[7373],{"id":7374,"url":7375,"outlet":7376,"published_on":16},677,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mbtimes.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fregional\u002Fmanjimup-police-close-tobacco-and-vape-store-after-seizing-an-estimated-460000-worth-of-illegal-products-c-22740222","Manjimup Bridgetown Times",{"id":7219,"occurred_on":7378,"incident_type":89,"title":7379,"summary":7380,"lat":7381,"lng":7382,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7383,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7384},"2026-08-18","Northcote High Street tobacco store ram-raided twice in two days","Police report a Northcote tobacco store on High Street was rammed overnight about 11.45pm when a stolen car was reversed into the shopfront and left inside the store, with two people seen fleeing on foot. Police say it was the second ram-raid on the same store after another vehicle strike about 2am Monday, when nothing was stolen. Darebin Crime Investigation Unit is investigating.",-37.773224,145.00063,"Northcote",[7385,7387],{"id":5747,"url":7386,"outlet":329,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.vic.gov.au\u002Ftobacco-store-targeted-twice-two-days",{"id":7388,"url":7389,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},685,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ftobacco-store-targeted-twice-in-two-days-1729197\u002F",{"id":4114,"occurred_on":7378,"incident_type":209,"title":7391,"summary":7392,"lat":7393,"lng":7394,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7395,"state":2646,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7396},"Para Hills tobacco shop badly damaged in suspected firebombing","Mainstream television news reported a tobacco shop on Wilkinson Road in Para Hills was badly damaged in a suspected early-morning firebombing. Firefighters reportedly contained the blaze and stopped it spreading to neighbouring businesses. Police are investigating the fire.",-34.810745,138.65578,"Para Hills",[7397],{"id":5476,"url":7398,"outlet":7399,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=N-jK-WCX8lI","9News Adelaide",{"id":5045,"occurred_on":7378,"incident_type":8,"title":7401,"summary":7402,"lat":5804,"lng":5805,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3182,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7403},"Court appearance over Midland tobacco shop firebombing","A person appeared in a WA court matter linked to the firebombing of a Midland tobacco shop and reportedly declined to address possible organised-crime links.",[7404],{"id":7405,"url":7406,"outlet":4912,"published_on":16},674,"https:\u002F\u002Fthewest.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fcourt-justice\u002Fjoshua-brian-binstead-midland-tobacco-shop-fire-bomber-silent-on-possible-organised-crime-links-c-22738958",{"id":465,"occurred_on":7408,"incident_type":42,"title":7409,"summary":7410,"lat":1249,"lng":1250,"location_precision":13,"suburb":6498,"state":1252,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7411},"2026-08-19","Operation Teton raids in Darwin over alleged multimillion-dollar illicit tobacco and vape sales","Police allege NT Police and the Australian Border Force executed 11 warrants across two Darwin CBD businesses, a commercial storage facility and two residential properties under Operation Teton. Authorities reportedly seized more than 5,500 vapes, about 16,500 nicotine products, more than $70,000 in cash and restrained property, vehicles and bank accounts. Police allege associated businesses generated about $12.1 million in sales over two years, including about $9.36 million from illicit tobacco and vapes, with proceeds channelled through merchant facilities, companies and bank accounts. A man was charged with money laundering and related nicotine-supply offences and appeared in Darwin Local Court.",[7412],{"id":5801,"url":7413,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-08-20\u002Fnt-police-money-laundering-charges-illicit-tobacco-sales\u002F107057200",{"id":1938,"occurred_on":7408,"incident_type":209,"title":7415,"summary":7416,"lat":2173,"lng":2174,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2175,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7417},"Footscray hotpot restaurant ram-raided with failed arson attempt","Police say offenders rammed a stolen vehicle into a Leeds Street hotpot restaurant about 2.50am, tried to set the premises alight, caused smoke damage, then fled, leaving the vehicle dumped in the road. Detectives are investigating whether the attack is linked to other recent fires amid ongoing organised-crime shopfront violence.",[7418,7420],{"id":5568,"url":7419,"outlet":329,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.vic.gov.au\u002Fram-raid-footscray-hot-pot-store",{"id":7421,"url":7422,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},683,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fram-raid-at-footscray-hot-pot-store-1729212\u002F",{"id":414,"occurred_on":7424,"incident_type":42,"title":7425,"summary":7426,"lat":104,"lng":105,"location_precision":13,"suburb":32,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7427},"2026-08-20","ABF reports major joint disruption of illicit tobacco shipments to Australia","Australian Border Force and overseas partner authorities reportedly disrupted an organised-crime tobacco shipping network under Operation Trailblazer. ABF said partners flagged 112 containers, 91 of which held illicit tobacco largely bound for Sydney, with more than 60 million cigarettes and other tobacco seized (tax-evaded value over $92 million) and more than 60 people arrested overseas.",[7428],{"id":5576,"url":7429,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-08-20\u002Fchina-and-australia-work-together-on-tobacco-syndicate\u002F107056140",{"id":7431,"occurred_on":7424,"incident_type":42,"title":7432,"summary":7433,"lat":5519,"lng":5520,"location_precision":13,"suburb":1995,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7434},587,"Illicit tobacco and nicotine products seized in Belmont and Mount Duneed warrants","Victoria Police say officers executed search warrants at a Roslyn Road service station in Belmont and a Mount Duneed residence as part of an ongoing Geelong-area investigation. Police allegedly seized more than 2,600 illicit vaping products, 3,000 imported cigarettes, over 12,700 nicotine pouches and more than $20,000 in cash. A man arrested at the Mount Duneed address is expected to be charged on summons.",[7435],{"id":5364,"url":7436,"outlet":329,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.police.vic.gov.au\u002Fillicit-tobacco-seized-belmont-and-mount-duneed",{"id":1208,"occurred_on":7438,"incident_type":42,"title":7439,"summary":7440,"lat":7441,"lng":7442,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7443,"state":2201,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7444},"2026-08-23","ACT details released on Operation Shorthand service-station tobacco and vape checks","Local reporting detailed that four Canberra Metro Petroleum service stations—in Mitchell, Scullin, Phillip and Farrer—were among national Operation Shorthand compliance raids targeting alleged illicit tobacco and vape sales. The wider multi-agency action reportedly hit more than 100 service stations across six jurisdictions, with national seizures of cigarettes, loose-leaf tobacco, vapes and nicotine pouches and temporary store closures elsewhere.",-35.347675,149.09138,"Phillip",[7445],{"id":5420,"url":7446,"outlet":2211,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fregion.com.au\u002Fdetails-released-about-illicit-tobacco-raids-at-canberra-petrol-stations\u002F991007\u002F",{"id":6271,"occurred_on":7448,"incident_type":67,"title":7449,"summary":7450,"lat":7451,"lng":7452,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7453,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7454},"2026-08-24","Four charged over Warnbro home invasion allegedly linked to illicit tobacco","Police allege four people forced entry to a Warnbro home, stabbing two men; officers have linked the attack to a separate investigation and charged four over the invasion allegedly tied to the illicit tobacco trade.",-32.340252,115.760185,"Warnbro",[7455,7458],{"id":7456,"url":7457,"outlet":6215,"published_on":16},676,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.coastlive.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Flocal-news\u002Ffour-charged-over-brutal-warnbro-home-invasion\u002F",{"id":7459,"url":7460,"outlet":6169,"published_on":16},695,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.917thewave.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Flocal-news\u002Ffour-charged-over-brutal-warnbro-home-invasion\u002F",{"id":7462,"occurred_on":7463,"incident_type":209,"title":7464,"summary":7465,"lat":7466,"lng":7467,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7468,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7469},592,"2026-08-25","West Footscray tobacco shop destroyed in early-morning firebombing","Police are investigating a suspicious fire at a tobacco shop on Sunshine Road in West Footscray after an unknown person was reportedly seen throwing an object into the unoccupied premises just after 4am. The shop was destroyed. Offenders allegedly fled in a stolen Toyota RAV4 with false plates (later found dumped nearby) and a white Honda CRV that remains outstanding. A crime scene was established and the investigation is ongoing.",-37.800625,144.87167,"West Footscray",[7470,7472,7475,7478],{"id":5904,"url":7471,"outlet":7280,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.victoriannews.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmelbourne-news\u002Ftobacco-shop-firebombed\u002F",{"id":7473,"url":7474,"outlet":7113,"published_on":16},686,"https:\u002F\u002Ftooraktimes.com.au\u002Fwest-footscray-tobacconist-destroyed-in-pre-dawn-fire\u002F",{"id":7476,"url":7477,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},687,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Ftobacco-shop-firebombed-in-west-footscray-1732968\u002F",{"id":7479,"url":7480,"outlet":7481,"published_on":16},876,"https:\u002F\u002Fmaribyrnonghobsonsbay.starweekly.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-footscray-tobacco-shop-firebombed\u002F","Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay | Star Weekly",{"id":6213,"occurred_on":7463,"incident_type":42,"title":7483,"summary":7484,"lat":104,"lng":105,"location_precision":13,"suburb":32,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7485},"Operation Ondina seizes millions of illicit cigarettes and restrains assets","Police and the ABF Illicit Tobacco Task Force, with ACT Policing and NSW Police, reportedly executed Customs Act warrants at locations including Blacktown, Pennant Hills, Sydney and Barangaroo, seizing over 3.4 million illicit cigarettes (about $5.3 million duty evaded). Authorities also restrained a luxury vehicle, two residential properties in Lawson and Bruce (ACT), and eight bank accounts linked to an alleged organised-crime network facilitating import, storage and distribution. Two people were detained over visa status. Total assets seized or restrained were valued at well over $5 million, with further disruption expected.",[7486],{"id":6061,"url":7487,"outlet":2211,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fregion.com.au\u002Fmulti-million-illegal-cigarette-ring-allegedly-tied-to-canberra\u002F994584\u002F",{"id":7261,"occurred_on":7463,"incident_type":209,"title":7489,"summary":7490,"lat":7491,"lng":7492,"location_precision":547,"suburb":7493,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7494},"Vape store ram-raided and set alight on Willaton Street, St Albans","A vape store on Willaton Street, St Albans was rammed with a vehicle and set alight about 2am, one of two shopfronts hit by the same group within minutes (a milk bar in nearby Kings Park was struck about 10 minutes later). Police are investigating whether the attacks are linked to the wider pattern of suspected tobacco- and vape-store firebombings across Melbourne.",-37.760026,144.810865,"St Albans",[7495,7497,7500],{"id":6949,"url":7496,"outlet":7113,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Ftooraktimes.com.au\u002Ffirebombed-after-ram-raids-wests-double-shopfront-attack\u002F",{"id":7498,"url":7499,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},688,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fst-albans-and-kings-park-shops-rammed-and-set-1732308\u002F",{"id":7501,"url":7502,"outlet":7503,"published_on":16},689,"https:\u002F\u002Fbrimbanknorthwest.starweekly.com.au\u002Fnews\u002Fst-albans-and-kings-park-shops-rammed-and-set-alight\u002F","Star Weekly (Brimbank & North West)",{"id":7505,"occurred_on":7506,"incident_type":8,"title":7507,"summary":7508,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7509},593,"2026-08-26","Melbourne County Court pre-sentence hearing over alleged illicit-tobacco network arsons","A man who pleaded guilty to arson, incitement and motor-vehicle thefts appeared for a pre-sentence hearing. Prosecutors allege he planned and coordinated firebombings and related offending for an organised-crime illicit tobacco network. Bail was revoked ahead of sentence.",[7510,7513],{"id":6313,"url":7511,"outlet":7512,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.inkl.com\u002Fnews\u002Ftobacco-kingpins-arson-tasker-says-hes-changed","AAP via inkl",{"id":7514,"url":7515,"outlet":4349,"published_on":16},694,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thecourier.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9342433\u002Ftobacco-kingpins-tasker-jailed-over-rival-arson-jobs\u002F",{"id":7517,"occurred_on":7518,"incident_type":42,"title":7519,"summary":7520,"lat":2338,"lng":2339,"location_precision":13,"suburb":2340,"state":1871,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7521},671,"2026-08-29","Operation TEMPEST WA and NT multi-agency illicit tobacco and vape blitz","Australian Border Force-led Operation TEMPEST, with state and territory partners, reportedly targeted 66 locations across Western Australia and the Northern Territory in a late-August week of action. Agencies say they seized more than 1.7 million illicit cigarettes, about 504 kg of loose-leaf tobacco, more than 9,500 vapes and thousands of nicotine pouches, identified dozens of persons of interest, and sought temporary closure of multiple shops. Estimated duty evaded was put near $4 million; reporting said no charges had been laid at the time of the public update. WA seizures included storage, postal and retail sites around Perth and regional centres; NT action covered Darwin, Katherine and related premises.",[7522],{"id":7523,"url":7524,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},878,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-09-08\u002Fwa-nt-illegal-cigarettes-tobacco-vapes-raids-police-border-force\u002F107127594",{"id":7234,"occurred_on":7526,"incident_type":209,"title":7527,"summary":7528,"lat":7529,"lng":7530,"location_precision":13,"suburb":3091,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7531},"2026-09-01","Frankston tobacco shop set alight in second attack within a week","A Frankston tobacco\u002Fconvenience store was reportedly set alight and treated as a targeted attack, with mainstream coverage describing it as the second time the premises had been hit within about a week amid Victoria’s illicit-tobacco conflict. Police and arson investigators were reported to be examining the scene; no public injury details were confirmed in the available reports.",-38.14563,145.12642,[7532],{"id":6940,"url":7533,"outlet":7534,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=17GbSMJkTTY","9 News",{"id":4515,"occurred_on":7526,"incident_type":209,"title":7536,"summary":7537,"lat":7538,"lng":7539,"location_precision":547,"suburb":773,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":17,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7540},"The Boss tobacco store on High Street, Melton set alight (first of two fires in a week)","Nine News reported the tobacco store at 387 High Street, Melton was firebombed for the second time in one week when it was set alight on 3 September, indicating an earlier fire at the same premises days beforehand. The exact date of the first fire was not published; it is recorded here at an approximate early-September date, pending confirmation.",-37.683953,144.580936,[7541],{"id":7542,"url":7543,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},669,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nine.com.au\u002Faustralia-news\u002Fvideos\u002Fmelbourne-tobacco-shop-firebombed-twice-in-one-week\u002Fcmtkjmdcj004n0hpv8322az3f",{"id":7542,"occurred_on":7545,"incident_type":8,"title":7546,"summary":7547,"lat":431,"lng":432,"location_precision":13,"suburb":324,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7548},"2026-09-02","County Court jails man over illicit-tobacco conflict arsons","A man was sentenced in the Victorian County Court to five and a half years' imprisonment with a three-year non-parole period after pleading guilty to inciting and directing arsons and related car thefts. The court heard the offending was carried out on behalf of an organised-crime network against rival interests during the illicit-tobacco conflict in late 2023, including fires at a Docklands restaurant and a Tullamarine reception centre that caused multi-million-dollar damage. Police from Victoria Police's illicit tobacco taskforce had charged him over the campaign.",[7549],{"id":7550,"url":7551,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},875,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-09-02\u002Fmajid-alibadi-sentencing-melbourne-tobacco-wars\u002F107106418",{"id":7553,"occurred_on":7554,"incident_type":42,"title":7555,"summary":7556,"lat":7557,"lng":7558,"location_precision":13,"suburb":4435,"state":33,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7559},670,"2026-09-03","Strike Force Mustang charges and major Sydney illicit-tobacco seizures","NSW Organised Crime Squad detectives, under Strike Force Mustang, reportedly charged five people and seized about $15 million worth of illicit tobacco plus around $1.6 million in cash in an alleged multi-million-dollar money-laundering investigation. Police allege a vehicle stop in Auburn on 3 September recovered cash and illicit cigarettes, followed by warrants in Auburn, Busby and Eastlakes that allegedly yielded almost 14 million illicit cigarettes, loose-leaf tobacco, further cash and gel blasters. Earlier phases of the same probe are also cited in reporting.",-33.854885,151.0247,[7560],{"id":7561,"url":7562,"outlet":118,"published_on":16},877,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fcrime-squad-charges-5-seizes-15m-illicit-tobacco-1739613\u002F",{"id":7564,"occurred_on":7554,"incident_type":209,"title":7565,"summary":7566,"lat":7538,"lng":7539,"location_precision":547,"suburb":773,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7567},595,"Melton tobacconist ram-raided and firebombed; one alleged offender critically burned","Police report that early on 3 September two people allegedly rammed a ute into The Boss tobacconist in Melton, doused the interior with petrol from jerry cans and set it alight. CCTV reportedly shows those involved catching fire; one person was left at the scene with life-threatening burns and airlifted to hospital in a critical condition, while another fled. The getaway ute was later found burning on the Western Highway at Hopetoun Park. Police are treating the blaze as suspicious and a targeted attack linked to organised-crime activity in the illicit tobacco market; a second burned person is being sought. The store, at 387 High Street, was set alight for the second time in a week.",[7568,7570,7571,7574,7576,7579],{"id":5934,"url":7569,"outlet":252,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026-09-03\u002Fman-airlifted-to-melbourne-hospital-after-firebombing-gone-wrong\u002F107110386",{"id":7542,"url":7543,"outlet":269,"published_on":16},{"id":7553,"url":7572,"outlet":7573,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.news24.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fcrime\u002Fman-airlifted-to-hospital-in-critical-condition-after-suspicious-shop-fire-in-melton\u002Fnews-story\u002F36a61cd29bba718925a5954e6b2b8307","News24",{"id":7517,"url":7575,"outlet":3953,"published_on":16},"https:\u002F\u002Fstarweekly.com.au\u002Fnews\u002F2026\u002F09\u002F03\u002Fmelton-shop-fire\u002F",{"id":7577,"url":7578,"outlet":7113,"published_on":16},672,"https:\u002F\u002Ftooraktimes.com.au\u002Fman-critical-after-melton-tobacconist-inferno\u002F",{"id":7580,"url":7581,"outlet":7582,"published_on":16},696,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thesenior.com.au\u002Fstory\u002F9342850\u002Fmanhunt-as-tobacco-shop-arsonist-left-for-dead\u002F","thesenior.com.au",{"id":7584,"occurred_on":7585,"incident_type":42,"title":7586,"summary":7587,"lat":7588,"lng":7589,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7590,"state":342,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7591},673,"2026-09-04","Tobacconist issued closure order after second illicit-tobacco raid","Queensland Health and police allegedly found illicit tobacco in a further raid on a tobacconist at 60 Clark Street, and a closure order was issued. Local coverage frames it as a repeat enforcement action.",-27.929077,151.9061,"Clifton",[7592],{"id":7593,"url":7594,"outlet":7595,"published_on":16},880,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.our-news.com.au\u002Ftobacconist-closed-after-second-raid-2026-09-04","our-news.com.au",{"id":7577,"occurred_on":7597,"incident_type":256,"title":7598,"summary":7599,"lat":7600,"lng":7601,"location_precision":13,"suburb":7602,"state":15,"faction_id":16,"confidence":48,"campaign":16,"fatalities":18,"status":19,"sources":7603},"2026-09-08","Sunshine tobacco shop torched in suspected early-morning arson","A tobacco shop in Sunshine in Melbourne's west was torched in a suspected early-morning arson attack, with reports five people were inside the building. Police are treating the fire as suspicious.",-37.788864,144.83473,"Sunshine",[7604],{"id":7605,"url":7606,"outlet":7607,"published_on":16},879,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.news24.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fcrime\u002Fmelbourne-tobacco-shop-torched-in-suspected-earlymorning-arson-attack\u002Fnews-story\u002Fda50e476b9a3a09849932d78c3faac27","news24.com.au",false,{"prices":7610,"policyEvents":7827,"sample":7608},[7611,7619,7623,7626,7629,7632,7636,7641,7645,7648,7651,7654,7657,7660,7663,7667,7673,7677,7681,7684,7688,7692,7695,7702,7706,7710,7713,7716,7719,7722,7725,7729,7733,7738,7743,7747,7751,7756,7760,7764,7768,7772,7778,7780,7782,7784,7786,7788,7790,7792,7796,7798,7800,7802,7804,7806,7808,7810,7814,7816,7818,7820,7821,7823,7825],{"series":7612,"observed_on":7613,"price":7614,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7617,"source_url":7618},"legal_cigarettes","2016-01-01",26.25,"per_pack_25","AU","Approx retail, pack of 25 (Winfield-tier); aussieprices historical table","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.aussieprices.com.au\u002Fcigarette-prices\u002F",{"series":7612,"observed_on":7620,"price":7621,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7622,"source_url":7618},"2017-01-01",29.6,"Approx retail, pack of 25",{"series":7612,"observed_on":7624,"price":7625,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7622,"source_url":7618},"2018-01-01",33.65,{"series":7612,"observed_on":7627,"price":513,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7628,"source_url":7618},"2019-01-01","Approx retail, pack of 25; matches Treasury FOI 3812 'example mid-range pack of 25' at $37.00",{"series":7612,"observed_on":3759,"price":707,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7630,"source_url":7631},"Approx 2025 average pack of 25 (~$41.50 for a pack of 20); leading brand ~$48.95 at Coles","https:\u002F\u002Fsmokefreeclinic.com.au\u002Farticles\u002Fcost-of-cigarettes\u002F",{"series":7612,"observed_on":6950,"price":7633,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7634,"source_url":7635},54.99,"Approx; 2026 average mainstream pack reported at A$54.99 (~US$40). Prices ~tripled since Dec 2016","https:\u002F\u002Freason.com\u002F2026\u002F06\u002F05\u002Faustralia-tried-to-tax-smoking-out-of-existence-now-80-of-tobacco-aussies-consume-is-from-the-black-market\u002F",{"series":7637,"observed_on":7638,"price":254,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7639,"source_url":7640},"illicit_cigarettes","2015-07-05","Journalist bought a Dunhill 25-pack for $16 at a Sydney convenience store; legal 25-pack ~$27 at the time.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.vice.com\u002Fen\u002Farticle\u002Fshopping-for-illegal-cigarettes-in-sydneys-chinatown\u002F",{"series":7637,"observed_on":7642,"price":87,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7643,"source_url":7644},"2018-08-20","Black-market shop sold a manufactured pack (~$4-5) ~70% below legal price (legal ~$30).","https:\u002F\u002Faacs.org.au\u002Ffrom-m-black-market-cigarette-shops-to-websites-selling-cheap-tobacco-how-australian-smokers-are-getting-around-paying-huge-taxes-for-their-smokes\u002F",{"series":7637,"observed_on":2867,"price":281,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7646,"source_url":7647},"Online black-market ads (B&H Gold $18.50, Marlboro Red $19.50) averaged; legal RRP ~$40-42.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.worldcustomsjournal.org\u002Farticle\u002F122749-just-how-profitable-is-illicit-tobacco-in-australia",{"series":7637,"observed_on":4162,"price":220,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7649,"source_url":7650},"Illicit pack ~$14 vs legal average retail ~$40.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.drugpolicy.org.au\u002Fprohibition_failures_how_australian_tobacco_taxes_ignited_the_black_market",{"series":7637,"observed_on":3759,"price":293,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7652,"source_url":7653},"Approximate; under-the-counter illicit cigarettes commonly reported around A$15-25 or less per pack, versus legal packs >A$40. Order-of-magnitude figure from black-market reporting","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tobaccoasia.com\u002Fnews\u002Faustralia%E2%80%99s-tobacco-black-market-surges\u002F",{"series":7637,"observed_on":1268,"price":242,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7655,"source_url":7656},"Approximate; black-market packs reported 'as little as US$5', typical street price US$6.50-10 (~A$10-16) per ~20-stick pack, i.e. often flat and far below the legal ~$40-50. Figure converted from USD reporting","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.northerner.com\u002Fus\u002Fthe-northerner\u002Fforum\u002Faustralia-cigarette-prices-fuel-black-market",{"series":7637,"observed_on":5812,"price":197,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7658,"source_url":7659},"Illicit packs 'often sell for A$12 or less' vs legal >$40.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tobaccoasia.com\u002Fnews\u002Fillicit-tobacco-dominates-australia\u002F",{"series":7637,"observed_on":6536,"price":242,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7661,"source_url":7662},"Illicit 'closer to $15' vs legal pushing past $50.","https:\u002F\u002Fmanofmany.com\u002Fculture\u002Fsmoking-rates-australia-illicit-tobacco-vaping-shift",{"series":7637,"observed_on":7664,"price":277,"unit":7615,"region":7616,"note":7665,"source_url":7666},"2026-06-09","Illicit quoted at '$11 to $25 a pack' (midpoint); legal up to $65.","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalxpress.com\u002Fnews\u002F2026-06-cigarettes-australia-illegal.html",{"series":7668,"observed_on":7669,"price":331,"unit":7670,"region":7616,"note":7671,"source_url":7672},"illicit_vape","2021-10-01","per_device","Illegal dealer resold imported nicotine vapes ~$25\u002Fdevice; wholesale ~$5 in bulk.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.vice.com\u002Fen\u002Farticle\u002Faustralias-vape-laws-black-market\u002F",{"series":7668,"observed_on":7674,"price":331,"unit":7670,"region":7616,"note":7675,"source_url":7676},"2022-09-27","Illicit disposables $20-30 in-store (as low as $5 online in bulk); retail midpoint.","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalxpress.com\u002Fnews\u002F2022-09-australian-teens-bought-vapes.html",{"series":7668,"observed_on":7678,"price":242,"unit":7670,"region":7616,"note":7679,"source_url":7680},"2023-03-30","Inferred: researchers noted very cheap vapes (\u003C$20) with 'no cost barrier' for youth. Approximate.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.1news.co.nz\u002F2023\u002F03\u002F30\u002Fhow-australias-vape-crackdown-created-a-huge-black-market\u002F",{"series":7668,"observed_on":1838,"price":331,"unit":7670,"region":7616,"note":7682,"source_url":7683},"Wholesale ~$2.50\u002Funit from China; street ~10x (~$25+).","https:\u002F\u002Ftheconversation.com\u002Faustralias-restrictive-vaping-and-tobacco-policies-are-fuelling-a-lucrative-and-dangerous-black-market-225279",{"series":7668,"observed_on":7685,"price":400,"unit":7670,"region":7616,"note":7686,"source_url":7687},"2024-09-11","Rough aggregate estimate only: TGA\u002FABF valued 5m+ seized vape products at >A$155m street value (~A$30\u002Fdevice). This is an enforcement valuation, not an observed shelf price; commonly reported illegal disposable retail prices sit roughly A$15-40 each","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.health.gov.au\u002Fministers\u002Fthe-hon-mark-butler-mp\u002Fmedia\u002Fover-five-million-vape-products-seized-so-far",{"series":7668,"observed_on":7689,"price":735,"unit":7670,"region":7616,"note":7690,"source_url":7691},"2025-11-12","After the March 2025 disposable ban, black-market disposables $45-60 via social media (midpoint).","https:\u002F\u002Fnotablevaper.com\u002Fvape-ban-australia-crackdown\u002F",{"series":7668,"observed_on":6572,"price":828,"unit":7670,"region":7616,"note":7693,"source_url":7694},"Illegal 3,000-puff knockoff $60 vs $33.90 legal-channel equivalent.","https:\u002F\u002Fnotablevaper.com\u002Fhow-much-are-vapes-in-australia\u002F",{"series":7696,"observed_on":7697,"price":7698,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7700,"source_url":7701},"excise_per_stick","2015-09-01",0.53,"per_stick","12.5% annual increase plus September AWOTE indexation; Treasury FOI 3812 table","https:\u002F\u002Ftreasury.gov.au\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2025-02\u002Ffoi-3812.pdf",{"series":7696,"observed_on":7703,"price":7704,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7705,"source_url":7701},"2016-03-01",0.54,"March AWOTE indexation",{"series":7696,"observed_on":7707,"price":7708,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7709,"source_url":7701},"2016-09-01",0.61,"12.5% increase + AWOTE",{"series":7696,"observed_on":7711,"price":7712,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7705,"source_url":7701},"2017-03-01",0.62,{"series":7696,"observed_on":7714,"price":7715,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7709,"source_url":7701},"2017-09-01",0.7,{"series":7696,"observed_on":7717,"price":7718,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7705,"source_url":7701},"2018-03-01",0.71,{"series":7696,"observed_on":7720,"price":7721,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7709,"source_url":7701},"2018-09-01",0.81,{"series":7696,"observed_on":7723,"price":7724,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7705,"source_url":7701},"2019-03-01",0.82,{"series":7696,"observed_on":7726,"price":7727,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7728,"source_url":7701},"2019-09-01",0.94,"12.5% increase + AWOTE (last-but-one of the 12.5% series)",{"series":7696,"observed_on":121,"price":7730,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7731,"source_url":7732},0.95,"March AWOTE indexation (factor 1.014); ABF Customs Notice 2020\u002F10","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fhelp-and-support-subsite\u002FCustomsNotices\u002F2020-10.pdf",{"series":7696,"observed_on":7734,"price":7735,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7736,"source_url":7737},"2021-03-01",1.1,"Rate after the final 1 Sep 2020 12.5% increase; March 2021 AWOTE factor 0.999 (\u003C1) left it unchanged. ABF Customs Notice 2021\u002F09","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fhelp-and-support-subsite\u002FCustomsNotices\u002F2021-09.pdf",{"series":7696,"observed_on":7739,"price":7740,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7741,"source_url":7742},"2022-03-01",1.13,"March AWOTE indexation (factor 1.007); ABF Customs Notice 2022\u002F08","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fhelp-and-support-subsite\u002FCustomsNotices\u002F2022-08.pdf",{"series":7696,"observed_on":803,"price":7744,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7745,"source_url":7746},1.24,"First extra 5% surcharge + AWOTE; ABF Customs Notice 2023\u002F39","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fhelp-and-support-subsite\u002FCustomsNotices\u002F2023-39.pdf",{"series":7696,"observed_on":1541,"price":7748,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7749,"source_url":7750},1.28,"March AWOTE indexation; ABF Customs Notice 2024\u002F08","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fhelp-and-support-subsite\u002FCustomsNotices\u002F2024-08.pdf",{"series":7696,"observed_on":7752,"price":7753,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7754,"source_url":7755},"2024-09-01",1.37,"Second extra 5% surcharge + AWOTE (factor 1.018); ABF Customs Notice 2024\u002F31","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fhelp-and-support-subsite\u002FCustomsNotices\u002F2024-31.pdf",{"series":7696,"observed_on":4097,"price":7757,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7758,"source_url":7759},1.4,"March AWOTE indexation; ABF Customs Notice 2025\u002F05","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fhelp-and-support-subsite\u002FCustomsNotices\u002F2025-05.pdf",{"series":7696,"observed_on":1268,"price":7761,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7762,"source_url":7763},1.5,"Final extra 5% surcharge + AWOTE; ABF Customs Notice 2025\u002F23","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fhelp-and-support-subsite\u002FCustomsNotices\u002F2025-23.pdf",{"series":7696,"observed_on":6344,"price":7765,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7766,"source_url":7767},1.53,"March AWOTE indexation only (5% surcharges ended); ABF Customs Notice 2026\u002F07","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abf.gov.au\u002Fhelp-and-support-subsite\u002FCustomsNotices\u002F2026-07.pdf",{"series":7696,"observed_on":7526,"price":7769,"unit":7699,"region":7616,"note":7770,"source_url":7771},1.55,"September AWOTE indexation only (5% surcharges ended); ATO tariff item 5.1 = $1.55274\u002Fstick","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ato.gov.au\u002Fbusinesses-and-organisations\u002Fgst-excise-and-indirect-taxes\u002Fexcise-on-tobacco\u002Fexcise-duty-rates-for-tobacco",{"series":7773,"observed_on":7752,"price":7774,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7776,"source_url":7777},"tobacco_cpi",85.65,"index","ABS 6401.0 Table 18 CPI expenditure class (A2326791X), WA 8 capital cities","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.abs.gov.au\u002Fstatistics\u002Feconomy\u002Fprice-indexes-and-inflation\u002Fconsumer-price-index-australia\u002Flatest-release",{"series":7773,"observed_on":3498,"price":7779,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7776,"source_url":7777},90.64,{"series":7773,"observed_on":4097,"price":7781,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7776,"source_url":7777},92.08,{"series":7773,"observed_on":3759,"price":7783,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7776,"source_url":7777},93.95,{"series":7773,"observed_on":1268,"price":7785,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7776,"source_url":7777},96.66,{"series":7773,"observed_on":713,"price":7787,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7776,"source_url":7777},101.6,{"series":7773,"observed_on":6344,"price":7789,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7776,"source_url":7777},102.68,{"series":7773,"observed_on":6950,"price":7791,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7776,"source_url":7777},104.23,{"series":7793,"observed_on":7752,"price":7794,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7795,"source_url":7777},"beer_cpi",96.24,"ABS 6401.0 Table 18 CPI expenditure class (A2328861F), WA 8 capital cities",{"series":7793,"observed_on":3498,"price":7797,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7795,"source_url":7777},97.38,{"series":7793,"observed_on":4097,"price":7799,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7795,"source_url":7777},98.74,{"series":7793,"observed_on":3759,"price":7801,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7795,"source_url":7777},98.89,{"series":7793,"observed_on":1268,"price":7803,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7795,"source_url":7777},99.85,{"series":7793,"observed_on":713,"price":7805,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7795,"source_url":7777},100.15,{"series":7793,"observed_on":6344,"price":7807,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7795,"source_url":7777},100.9,{"series":7793,"observed_on":6950,"price":7809,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7795,"source_url":7777},101.39,{"series":7811,"observed_on":7752,"price":7812,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7813,"source_url":7777},"spirits_cpi",96.53,"ABS 6401.0 Table 18 CPI expenditure class (A2328951K), WA 8 capital cities",{"series":7811,"observed_on":3498,"price":7815,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7813,"source_url":7777},97.53,{"series":7811,"observed_on":4097,"price":7817,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7813,"source_url":7777},99.17,{"series":7811,"observed_on":3759,"price":7819,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7813,"source_url":7777},99.23,{"series":7811,"observed_on":1268,"price":1234,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7813,"source_url":7777},{"series":7811,"observed_on":713,"price":7822,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7813,"source_url":7777},99.52,{"series":7811,"observed_on":6344,"price":7824,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7813,"source_url":7777},101.27,{"series":7811,"observed_on":6950,"price":7826,"unit":7775,"region":7616,"note":7813,"source_url":7777},101.62,[7828,7833,7836,7839,7844,7849,7852,7856,7861,7866,7869,7873,7876,7880,7883,7886,7890,7893],{"id":6,"occurred_on":7829,"category":7830,"title":7831,"description":7832,"source_url":7701},"2016-05-03","excise","2016-17 Budget: four annual 12.5% excise increases legislated (2017-2020)","Government announced tobacco excise would rise 12.5% each year on 1 September from 2017 to 2020 (on top of biannual AWOTE indexation), continuing the earlier 2013-2016 12.5% rises, with the stated aim of pushing a pack toward ~$40.",{"id":25,"occurred_on":7707,"category":7830,"title":7834,"description":7835,"source_url":7701},"12.5% excise increase (to $0.61054\u002Fstick)","Annual 12.5% rise plus September AWOTE indexation lifted the per-stick excise on cigarettes (\u003C=0.8g) to $0.61054.",{"id":40,"occurred_on":7714,"category":7830,"title":7837,"description":7838,"source_url":7701},"12.5% excise increase (to $0.69858\u002Fstick)","Second of the 2016-Budget series of 12.5% annual increases plus AWOTE indexation.",{"id":55,"occurred_on":7840,"category":7841,"title":7842,"description":7843,"source_url":7701},"2018-07-01","enforcement","Illicit Tobacco Taskforce established","Multi-agency Illicit Tobacco Taskforce (led by the ABF) stood up; ATO enforcement resourcing strengthened, as part of the 2018-19 Budget Black Economy tobacco package.",{"id":87,"occurred_on":7845,"category":7846,"title":7847,"description":7848,"source_url":7701},"2019-07-01","reform","Tobacco taxing point moved to the border","From 1 July 2019 importers must pay all duty when tobacco enters Australia (rather than on leaving a warehouse), and permits are required for all tobacco imports.",{"id":120,"occurred_on":7726,"category":7830,"title":7850,"description":7851,"source_url":7701},"12.5% excise increase (to $0.93653\u002Fstick)","Third of the four scheduled 12.5% annual increases plus AWOTE indexation.",{"id":136,"occurred_on":7853,"category":7830,"title":7854,"description":7855,"source_url":7737},"2020-09-01","Final 12.5% excise increase (to ~$1.10\u002Fstick)","Last of the 2013-2020 series of 12.5% annual increases; per-stick excise reached $1.10360 (confirmed by the following March 2021 indexation being \u003C1, leaving the rate unchanged).",{"id":148,"occurred_on":7669,"category":7857,"title":7858,"description":7859,"source_url":7860},"vape","Nicotine vaping products become prescription-only","From 1 October 2021 it became illegal to buy or import nicotine e-cigarettes, pods or liquid nicotine (domestically or from overseas websites) without a valid doctor's prescription.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tga.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002Fblog\u002Fnicotine-vaping-laws-are-changing",{"id":163,"occurred_on":7862,"category":7830,"title":7863,"description":7864,"source_url":7865},"2023-05-09","2023-24 Budget: extra 5%\u002Fyr excise for 3 years from Sept 2023","Budget announced an additional 5% annual excise rise (on top of AWOTE indexation) on 1 September 2023, 2024 and 2025, plus a staged alignment of the roll-your-own per-kg 'equivalisation weight' from 0.7g toward 0.6g.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au\u002Fchapter-13-taxation\u002F13-6-what-tobacco-taxes-apply-in-australia",{"id":176,"occurred_on":803,"category":7830,"title":7867,"description":7868,"source_url":7746},"First 5% surcharge + indexation increase (to $1.24335\u002Fstick)","First of the three additional 5% increases combined with September AWOTE indexation.",{"id":188,"occurred_on":1246,"category":7857,"title":7870,"description":7871,"source_url":7872},"Import ban on disposable vapes","From 1 January 2024 it became unlawful to import disposable single-use vapes into Australia, regardless of nicotine content or therapeutic claims (very limited exceptions); a new Special Access Scheme pathway opened for prescribers.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tga.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmedia-releases\u002Fnew-regulation-vapes-starting-january-2024",{"id":197,"occurred_on":1541,"category":7857,"title":7874,"description":7875,"source_url":7872},"Import ban extended to all non-therapeutic vapes; personal importation ends","From 1 March 2024 the importation of all non-therapeutic vapes was prohibited and the personal importation scheme for vapes ended.",{"id":207,"occurred_on":2413,"category":7857,"title":7877,"description":7878,"source_url":7879},"Vaping Reforms Act commences - pharmacy-only supply model","From 1 July 2024 all vapes are regulated as therapeutic goods; importation, manufacture, supply, commercial possession and advertising of disposable and non-therapeutic vapes banned. Non-pharmacy retailers (tobacconists, vape shops, convenience stores) can no longer sell any vape; supply moves to pharmacies. Penalties up to 7 years jail \u002F $21.9m per contravention.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tga.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002Fmedia-releases\u002Fnew-vaping-laws-commence-1-july-2024",{"id":220,"occurred_on":7685,"category":7841,"title":7881,"description":7882,"source_url":7687},"Vape seizure milestone: 2m+ vapes since 1 July, >$155m street value","TGA\u002FABF and state agencies reported more than 2 million vapes seized since the 1 July 2024 laws (over 5 million vape products seized in total to date), with an estimated combined street value of more than $155 million.",{"id":242,"occurred_on":2907,"category":7857,"title":7884,"description":7885,"source_url":7879},"Pharmacy sales without prescription for low-strength vapes","From 1 October 2024 adults 18+ can buy therapeutic vapes containing 20 mg\u002FmL nicotine or less from participating pharmacies without a prescription (kept behind the counter, ID required); under-18s and higher doses still need a script.",{"id":254,"occurred_on":2907,"category":7857,"title":7887,"description":7888,"source_url":7889},"Nicotine pouches confirmed prescription-only","TGA reiterated that nicotine pouches (e.g. Zyn) are prescription-only therapeutic goods and cannot be sold by retailers\u002Ftobacconists, advertised, or imported without authority; South Australia and others moved to ban them outright.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tga.gov.au\u002Fnews\u002Fnews-articles\u002Fnicotine-pouches-are-illegal-australia-unless-prescribed",{"id":267,"occurred_on":1268,"category":7830,"title":7891,"description":7892,"source_url":7763},"Final 5% surcharge + indexation increase (to $1.49832\u002Fstick)","Third and final of the additional 5% increases (2023-2025) combined with September AWOTE indexation; per-stick excise reached $1.49832. From 2026 only ordinary AWOTE indexation applies.",{"id":277,"occurred_on":5377,"category":27,"title":7894,"description":7895,"source_url":7653},"Illicit tobacco share surges; excise-revenue collapse and freeze debate","Industry\u002FABS-cited estimates put illicit tobacco at roughly 50-80% of consumption in 2025 (black market value ~A$10bn); excise revenue fell from >A$16bn (2019-20) to ~A$7.4bn (2025) and Treasury downgraded forecast tobacco excise by ~A$8bn over five years, prompting public debate about freezing or cutting excise."]