Fawkner tobacco shop on Major Rd targeted for second time in a year in illicit smokes war
Would-be arsonists have tried to firebomb a tobacco store in Melbourne’s north for the second time this year.
Police & Courts
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Another tobacco shop has been targeted for the second time in the relentless war for control of the illicit cigarette trade in Victoria.
Would-be arsonists lit a fire in an alleyway at the back of CVT Tobacco on Major Road, Fawkner, shortly after 6am.
Firefighters extinguished the small blaze, which failed to cause any damage, within a few minutes.
CVT was first been targeted in January this year after a ram raid damaged the roller door at the front of the shop in January.
The failed arson followed a police announcement on Tuesday claiming to have struck a $30m blow against one illicit tobacco syndicate after a series of raids.
Nazir Haddara, the alleged ringleader of the syndicate, fronted court on Tuesday charged with a variety of organised crime and illegal tobacco offences.
Continued shop attacks in the wake of Mr Haddara’s arrest signal the war is far from over.
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