Tobacco
Exclusive
Crime
How a failed bid to carve up Melbourne’s illegal tobacco trade sparked a violent war
A failed bid to form a “commission” among major crime players that would set turf boundaries and split profit from the lucrative illicit tobacco trade ignited a war that has resulted in 100 firebombings and escalating violence.
- by Chris Vedelago and Marta Pascual Juanola
Latest
‘When my time’s up, my time’s up’: How Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim became most hunted in Melbourne’s underworld
The boxer and ex-bikie has survived shootings, bashings and firebombings. There’s a $1 million bounty on his head. We find out why criminals and police say he’s made enemies everywhere.
- by Chris Vedelago
Vape-flation: prices have surged, but retailers are still flouting the ban
Two months after a ban on selling vapes outside pharmacies, this masthead visited a dozen tobacco and convenience stores across Sydney. All had vapes available on request.
- by Millie Muroi
Exclusive
Crime
Perth brother of exiled crime kingpin behind bars
Maytham Hamad, 29, appeared in court on Tuesday.
- by Michael Stamp
Exclusive
Victorian Parliament
Smoke taxes driving people towards black market – and smoking rates up
Analysis shows high cigarette prices will continue pushing people towards the illicit tobacco trade, amid surging rates of vaping.
- by Kieran Rooney and Annika Smethurst
Analysis
Naked City
Where there are smokes there are fires: Inside Victoria’s tobacco war
Property owners knowingly making money from an illicit source could find their income and the property subject to asset seizure.
- by John Silvester
Exclusive
Smoking & vaping
E-cigarette use rising in NSW despite vapers saying they want to quit
The number of people using vapes in NSW increased last year, but survey data suggests more than half are considering quitting in the next six months.
- by Mary Ward
Chalmers’ budget is suffering from tobacco withdrawal
Big tobacco excise increases have been used to boost the budget bottom line. But fewer smokers, more vapers and a burgeoning black market are killing the tax cash cow.
- by Shane Wright and Natassia Chrysanthos
Illegal tobacco industry pushing new product experts say is aimed at children
Nicotine pouches marketed with fruit and confectionery flavours such as mint, watermelon and gummy bears are being illegally imported into Australia.
- by Chris Vedelago
Updated
Crime
Tobacco scheme will need tough powers to end state’s turf wars
Victoria’s new tobacco licensing laws must have strict character tests, a dedicated task force and massive fines to avoid being a toothless tiger at stopping the state’s underground turf war, the industry has warned.
- by Kieran Rooney, Broede Carmody and Chris Vedelago
Key ‘insiders’ arrested over $15m tobacco import linked to underworld war
Six members of an alleged tobacco importation syndicate have been charged after early morning raids and the seizure of 10 million illicit cigarettes.
- by David Estcourt
Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/topic/tobacco-jqw