Dozen arson attacks linked to illegal tobacco trade in the past year, Queensland Police reveal

A dozen arson attacks believed to be linked to the ­illegal tobacco trade have been investigated by Queensland police in the past year alone, damning figures show.

Fire at Fortitude Valley store.

A dozen arson attacks believed to be linked to the ­illegal tobacco trade have been investigated by Queensland police in the past year alone.

Police have revealed their taskforce dedicated to stamping out the illicit tobacco and vape trade, Victor Masher, has investigated 12 separate arson attacks across the state, including in the greater Brisbane area, Mount Isa, Moreton Bay, Townsville and Warwick areas.

“Six of those have been solved, with offenders currently before the court for offences including arson and enter with intent,” a police spokesman said.

A convenience store next to the Prohibition Nightclub in Fortitude Valley went up in flames in the early hours of Boxing Day

“TF Masher have also assisted NSWPOL and VICPOL with extraditions of Queensland-based offenders for arson offences committed in those states, the latest being in early December for offences committed in Ballina and Tweed Heads.”

Queensland Police confirmed last month they were investigating potential links to organised crime and tobacconist turf wars after a Fortitude Valley convenience store, understood to have been selling tobacco products, was firebombed in the early hours of Boxing Day.

A Fortitude Valley vape store went up in flames.

CCTV captured the moment two men tumble out the door of a Fortitude Valley vape shop about 3.30am on December 26, before one of the men – believed to be the store owner – flees the scene and the other man – the alleged arsonist – goes back inside.

The alleged arsonist then exits the building as a fireball explodes from the shop, setting him on fire.

Speaking hours after the crime, Brisbane regional duty officer Inspector Jane Healy said several leads were being investigated, including links to organised crime. “We’ve had a number of tobacco stores that have been targeted. We can’t confirm whether or not this is one of those stores being targeted, but that link is being investigated,” she said.

Police at the scene on Boxing Day. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The store had only been operational under its current management for a few weeks.

It’s not alleged the tobacconist has engaged in any wrongdoing.

No charges have been laid and investigations remain ongoing.

Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

Several other tobacconists on the Gold Coast have also been targeted in recent months.

Originally published as Dozen arson attacks linked to illegal tobacco trade in the past year, Queensland Police reveal