Melissa and Olivia Fox arrested and charged over alleged connections to major illegal tobacco syndicate

Two women have been caught up in a statewide sting on an allegedly illegal tobacco syndicate, which saw at least 10 people arrested and thousands in illegal vapes and cigarettes seized.

Two women were among at least 10 people busted in a statewide sting which saw numerous tobacco stores and homes raided by cops in an attempt to combat a widespread illegal tobacco syndicate.

Melissa and Olivia Fox were arrested on October 22 in relation to the ongoing tobacco wars enveloping the state.

Both women were bailed on Tuesday, facing charges with links to alleged tobacco syndicate kingpin Nazir Haddara.

Nazir Haddara was arrested at the Melbourne Airport on Tuesday then bailed from the Melbourne Magistrates' Court. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Melissa was arrested in a Grovedale store and faces six charges including allegedly supplying vaping goods, allegedly possessing more than $1000 believed to be proceeds of crime and alleged possession of illegal tobacco products with the intent to defraud the revenue.

Police allege she was an employee of numerous tobacco stores in Geelong allegedly run by Mr Haddara.

A Fawkner tobacco store was the latest victim of firebombing in the ongoing battle for the top. Picture: David Crosling

Olivia was also arrested and bailed on Tuesday and faces charges including allegedly recklessly possessing unlawfully imported tobacco products with the intent to defraud the revenue and allegedly supplying vaping goods.

On Friday, a lawyer for both women fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, where their case was adjourned to match up with a joint trial for all co-accused slated to begin in 2028.

Police say Tuesday’s operation struck a $30m blow to the syndicate, which has reportedly earned a whopping $2.68m since August.

All co-accused will return to court next year for a committal mention on March 25, 2025.