Police seize guns, drugs, cash as part of huge blitz of Comanchero, Finks outlaw motorcycle gangs

More than 50 per cent of the state’s cigarette shops have been dragged into the illicit tobacco trade, with police cracking down on two outlaw motorcycle gangs as part of their massive investigation.

Police have come down hard on the Comanchero and Finks bikie groups as part of their crackdown into the illicit tobacco trade. Picture: NCA NewsWire

More than half of the state’s smoke shops have engaged in the “well spread” illicit tobacco trade, according to a police investigation into the industry’s links to organised crime.

Police estimate up to 600 of Victoria’s “800 to 1000” tobacco businesses are involved in distributing illicit products, with more arrests and charges anticipated in the coming months.

Crime Command active commander Jason Kelly said while not every store was involved, a “fair percentage” had been either dragged into the scene or approached.

“Our own investigation is that illicit tobacco is well spread throughout the tobacco stores that currently exist,” he said on Friday.

“I’ve previously quoted that what industry has indicated and that’s 500 to 600 of those 800 plus stores, so it’s a fair percentage.

“My message to anyone running the shops is that if you’re in too deep then it’s time to come forward.

Crime Command active commander Jason Kelly didn’t mince his words. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“We appreciate that it’s difficult and anyone considering going down the route of selling illicit tobacco, you need to think twice.

“It’s very difficult to get out of organised crime once you’re in it.”

The stern message comes days after a major Echo and Lunar task force bust into tobacco stores, with 25 people arrested nationwide including patched Comanchero and Finks members.

Three Finks and one Comanchero were charged on Thursday for drug and weapon related offences.

Finks and Comanchero bikie groups were targeted in a series of raids. Picture: David Crosling

The Finks OMCG have been heavily linked to the illicit tobacco trade. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Search warrants were also executed at properties in Chelsea Heights and Churchill allegedly linked to the Comanchero gang.

Seven people from regional Victoria were also arrested this week after searches into tobacco stores in Horsham, Stawell, Ararat, Warracknabeal and Nhill.

More than 134,000 illegal cigarettes, 43kg of loose tobacco and 3655 vapes valued at about $350,000 were seized from these stores.

A 40-year-old Williamstown man, who was allegedly delivering illicit tobacco to Horsham, has also been arrested.

More than 60 stores have been searched since October.

A convenience and tobacco store in Hadfield has been targeted twice. Picture: David Crosling

It is believed the syndicates behind the illicit trade consist of organised crime and outlaw motorcycle gangs.

More than 30 crime related incidents, including arson, have been committed at tobacco stores this year with the disputes believed to be a result of demands to sell the product and for businesses to pay a weekly tax to the syndicates involved.