The Allan government also plans to establish a tobacco licensing scheme,after more than 100 firebombings targeting cigarette shops around the state.
In Melbourne,turf boundary wars between major crime players in the illicit tobacco trade has ignited a war that has resulted in 100 firebombings in the past two years.
Criminal syndicates are increasingly growing their own tobacco in secret farms as law enforcement cracks down on shipments coming in from overseas.
Nazir Haddara,the alleged ringleader of the $30 million syndicate,was arrested at Melbourne Airport on Tuesday as he was attempting to board a flight to Dubai.
Police arrested 25-year-old boxer Nazir Haddara at Melbourne Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Dubai.
Despite ever-increasing excise,tobacco taxes are falling short of forecasts and leaving a hole in the budget. Experts say a cut in tobacco tax may be needed.
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.
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.
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.
Police say Maytham Hamad – the brother of ruthless Melbourne organised-crime kingpin Kazem ‘Kaz’ Hamad – is ‘a high-level co-ordinator of violence’.
Maytham Hamad,29,appeared in court on Tuesday.