UPDATE: In a troubling escalation, five tobacco stores in Perth have been targeted by violent attacks linked to organized crime gangs from the eastern states. WA Police are investigating a series of firebombings and shootings that occurred over the weekend, specifically between Saturday and Monday.
Officials confirm that these crime syndicates are employing ruthless tactics to assert control over the illicit tobacco market, mirroring similar violent patterns seen in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Commissioner Col Blanch stated in an interview on 6PR that individuals from the eastern states are using the dark web to hire contractors for these attacks, further complicating law enforcement efforts.
“Often they don’t know each other,” Commissioner Blanch explained, highlighting the challenges posed by encrypted communication and anonymous payment methods like Bitcoin. The commissioner emphasized that these organized crime groups aim to dominate the lucrative illicit tobacco sales, which can yield significant profits for participating stores.
“This violence is simply not going to be tolerated by us,” Blanch asserted. He revealed that police have been proactive, conducting numerous raids since three similar attacks occurred between August 9 and August 11. The alarming trend of violence not only threatens the targeted businesses but also endangers law-abiding retailers in the vicinity.
Authorities are calling for more stringent legal measures to combat this surge in organized crime. Commissioner Blanch criticized current penalties as inadequate, stating, “A small fine is not really going to be a deterrent.” He urged for “severe consequences” for shops involved in selling illicit tobacco, stressing the need for immediate legislative action as discussions are underway at the governmental level to introduce draft bills aimed at curbing these activities.
As the situation develops, the focus remains on protecting both the retailers and the community. The ongoing violence creates a climate of fear that impacts not just the targeted businesses but also those striving to operate legitimately. The police are committed to addressing these threats, but the urgency for comprehensive legal reforms is paramount.
As authorities work to contain this crisis, residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed about the latest developments. The ripple effects of these attacks are felt beyond the immediate targets, threatening the safety and stability of Perth’s retail landscape. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as investigations continue.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest on this evolving story.
