Queensland men Tamati Bramley-Davis, Emaniel Yek charged after Ballina, Tweed tobacconist firebombings

Two men accused of northern NSW tobacconist ram raids and firebombings have been extradited from over the border, their operation allegedly part of the wider tobacco wars gripping the nation. Here’s the latest.

Two men accused of tobacconist ram raids and firebombings across northern NSW have been extradited from Queensland, their operation allegedly part of the wider tobacco wars gripping the nation.

The arrests follow the ram raid of a tobacconist on Minjungbal Dr, Tweed Heads South about 4.30am on September 22.

Officers arrived on scene to find a Toyota Corolla sedan – believed to have been stolen from Queensland – had been driven into the shop.

Emaniel Yek, 25, and Tamati Bramley-Davis, 26, allegedly entered the business, destroyed displays and stole a large amount of cigarettes.

Police were then called to the same tobacconist, following reports a car had driven into a neighbouring business about 2.40am on October 22.

NSW Police have arrested and extradited two Queensland men over alleged ram raids and arson attacks targeting northern NSW tobacconists. Picture: Supplied

Officers arrived to find a MG SUV had crashed into the store. Bollards had been placed in front of the tobacconist before Yek and Bramley-Davis allegedly poured fuel in the business and fled, without setting it alight.

The next day, emergency services were called to a building fire on River St, Ballina about 3.30am.

Officers found a silver Mercedes sedan on fire inside the shopfront of a tobacconist.

Police were told the sedan drove into the business and caught fire, with Yek and Bramley-Davis allegedly fleeing.

Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze, but the building – including the residential unit above – were destroyed.

The blaze damaged two more vehicles and forced the evacuation of surrounding units. No injuries were reported.

A heartbroken tenant living above the shop spoke of her “devastation” after the inferno tore through her home. She told this publication she had nothing but the “clothes on her back” left.

A tobacconist on fire on River St, Ballina. Picture: Instagram/@balna.nsw

The NSW Police Financial Crime Squad launched Strike Force Albany and have determined the incidents were linked.

Following investigations, strike force detectives, along with Queensland Police and Tweed-Byron Police District officers, raided five Queensland properties in Redland Bay Redbank Plains, Berrinba and Park Ridge.

Police arrested Yek and Bramley-Davis at separate Park Ridge addresses.

During the searches, police seized a BMW sedan, electronics, CCTV footage and clothing.

The pair were taken to Brisbane Watchhouse and detectives applied for – and were granted – extradition to NSW.

Police seized a luxury car in the raids. Picture: Supplied

On Thursday, Yek and Bramley-Davis were taken to Tweed Heads Police Station.

Bramley-Davis was charged with two counts of aggravated break-and-enter (commit serious indictable offence-in company), aggravated break-and-enter with intent and in company, destroying property in company, using fire and participating in criminal group activity.

Yek was charged with aggravated break-and-enter (commit serious indictable offence-in company), attempting to destroy property in company, using fire, aggravated break and enter with intent in company and participate in criminal group activity.

Both men were refused bail to face Tweed Heads Local Court on Friday.

Investigations under Strike Force Albany continue.

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