Abdulrahim is suspected of playing a key role in reviving the Sydney gang Brothers 4 Life in Melbourne in order to gain control of a portion of Victoria’s billion-dollar illicit tobacco market. Hamad, a powerful figure in Melbourne’s criminal underworld, is believed to have orchestrated a failed assassination attempt from his base in the Middle East. Police taskforces are visiting tobacconists across the state, with evidence of illicit tobacco found in around 100 stores so far. It is suspected that many tobacconists are involved in the black market trade, and Victoria Police are calling for community, industry, and government support to combat the issue.
Acting Commander Jason Kelly emphasized the need for collaboration to address the problem, stating that Victoria Police alone cannot solve it. Nearly 60 tobacco stores in Victoria have been destroyed in the gang turf war, prompting an initiative to reduce the number of illicit tobacco shops by encouraging landlords to rethink leasing to suspicious tenants. The government plans to introduce a licensing scheme for tobacconists in March, which is expected to align Victoria with the rest of Australia. However, it may take up to two years for these changes to be implemented.
Kelly acknowledged the challenge of suppressing organized crime in an unregulated market, with new tobacco and vape shops continuing to appear despite significant arrests. Detective Inspector Graham Banks stressed the importance of shared responsibility in reducing the illicit tobacco trade, calling on landlords to take action through lease agreements to prevent the sale of illegal products. The community is encouraged to play a role in addressing the issue, as law enforcement agencies work to combat organized crime in the state.
In an effort to crack down on the illicit tobacco market, Victoria Police is working with various stakeholders to tackle the issue. The involvement of community members, industry partners, and government agencies is seen as crucial in addressing the widespread problem of illegal tobacco sales. The ongoing gang warfare, destruction of tobacco stores, and the proliferation of illicit shops highlight the urgent need for a collaborative approach to combat organized crime and protect public safety. The planned licensing scheme for tobacconists aims to regulate the industry and curb criminal activity, but it is expected to take time to implement the necessary changes.
The increasing presence of illicit tobacco in Victoria underscores the scale of the challenge faced by law enforcement agencies in the state. With suspicions of widespread involvement in the black market trade, authorities are calling for a united effort to tackle the issue effectively. By engaging the community, industry stakeholders, and government bodies, Victoria Police aims to disrupt criminal networks and reduce the availability of illegal tobacco products. The need for collective action is emphasized as authorities seek to address the root causes of organized crime and protect the wellbeing of the public.
In conclusion, the resurgence of the Brothers 4 Life gang in Melbourne and the ongoing turf war in the illicit tobacco market pose a significant threat to public safety. Despite efforts to combat organized crime, the proliferation of illegal tobacco sales continues to be a pressing issue in Victoria. By fostering partnerships with various stakeholders and implementing regulatory measures, authorities hope to stem the tide of criminal activity and safeguard communities from the harmful effects of illicit trade. The call for community involvement and collaborative action underscores the necessity of a united front in addressing the challenges posed by organized crime networks in the state.
