Melbourne's Illicit Tobacco War Escalates Amid Legislative Delays

Rival gangs intensify violence over control of the illegal cigarette market as Victoria awaits promised regulatory reforms.

Over 100 tobacco shops have been targeted in arson attacks in Melbourne, linked to rival criminal syndicates vying for control of the illicit tobacco trade.
Victoria Police's Lunar Taskforce has made 85 arrests and conducted 188 raids, but the violence continues with no end in sight.
Efforts to form a cartel to manage the illegal tobacco market failed, leading to increased conflict among powerful crime groups, including bikie gangs.
The Victorian government promised a tobacco licensing scheme to combat the illegal market, but legislation has not yet been introduced, raising concerns about further delays.
Shop owners are increasingly defending their businesses against attacks, prompting fears that the conflict could escalate to involve firearms.