A ram-raid fire attack has destroyed five shops on Victoria Street in Richmond, Melbourne, marking the latest escalation in the city's ongoing tobacco war. The blaze tore through a tobacco shop and four neighbouring businesses early Monday morning, forcing the closure of a major thoroughfare and impacting tram services.
Details of the Attack
Emergency services were called to the scene just after 4am on Monday after a vehicle was used to ram the front of a tobacco store on Victoria Street. The vehicle was then set alight, sparking a fire that quickly spread to adjacent shops. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze, but five properties were significantly damaged or destroyed.
The attack is at least the fifth tobacco store firebombing in Melbourne in two weeks, as criminal gangs vie for control of the illicit tobacco market. According to 7NEWS reporter Hayley Taylor, the fires are part of a broader pattern of violence linked to the tobacco black market.
Traffic and Community Impact
Victoria Street at Church Street has been closed to traffic in both directions, with tram services also affected. Commuters are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes. The closure is expected to remain in place for several hours as investigators examine the scene.
Local business owners have expressed shock and frustration. One neighbouring shopkeeper, who declined to be named, said, "This is devastating for all of us. We just want to run our businesses safely."
Escalating Tobacco Wars
The spate of firebombings has raised concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement responses. Victoria Police have launched Operation Lunar to target the illegal tobacco trade, but the attacks have continued unabated. According to police sources, the latest incident bears the hallmarks of previous tobacco-related arsons.
The tobacco wars in Melbourne have seen at least 30 firebombings and several shootings over the past year, with criminal groups using extreme violence to protect their turf. The attacks have targeted not only tobacco shops but also vape stores and other businesses linked to the illicit trade.
