Days after raids, these illegal smoke shops have fully replenished their stock

Critics say the situation shows how – without store-closure powers – Victoria’s looming assault on the black market is doomed to fail and allows organised crime bosses to continue making billions.

The Herald Sun last week witnessed a Viper taskforce raid on a Clarendon St, South Melbourne, business which authorities believe is one of hundreds controlled by outlaw smoke baron Kazem Hamad.

That illicit tobacco shop had already been gutted of stock by police five times since August and reopened every time.

Viper removed three large cardboard boxes of cigarettes and vapes – along with cash – from the “convenience and candy” store after spending two hours carrying out a warrant last Tuesday.

Victoria Police confirmed the raid, which it said was part of a “current investigation”.

A statement confirmed “several” warrants had been carried out at the business but the Herald Sun understands the exact number is six.

“Victoria Police will continue to target those businesses involved in the sale of illicit tobacco who have links to serious and organised crime entities. As the investigation remains ongoing, we are not in a position to comment further at this time,” the statement said.

Some police, business figures and the state opposition say the number of warrants done on the Clarendon St outlet shows the gaping hole in the fight against the illicit trade, which is able to replenish supplies and start almost immediately because of massive stockpiles of imported product. Victoria’s 14 illicit tobacco inspectors will start on February 1 but won’t be armed with store-closure powers.

Fred Harrison, CEO and director of independent grocer Ritchies-IGA, said the absence of that authority meant the state would lag behind Queensland and NSW.

Queensland Health officials earlier this month closed 159 shops in a major operation in which they seized products valued at $16.8m.

“Victoria needs to get in line with Queensland and NSW,” Mr Harrison said. “We need to tackle the issue head-on. The bad guys just keep winning.”

Opposition police spokesman Brad Battin said closure powers were essential.

“Another example of no consequences for crime in Victoria, leaving dangerous operations open and communities at risk,” Mr Battin said.

Smoke shops quickly getting back into business after raids has been a source of frustration for some police.

Although the number of tobacco war arsons linked to those fighting for control of the sector has eased this year, profits from the 1500-plus shops are being poured into the coffers of organised crime figures like Hamad.

Under the state’s new tobacco-licensing regime, anyone caught selling illicit tobacco will face fines of up to $355,000 or up to 15 years in jail, while businesses are at risk of penalties as high as $1.7m.

Those wanting a licence will have to demonstrate they are a “fit and proper person” and refusal may be made on the back of an applicant’s history or associates.

A Victorian government spokesman said it was implementing “tough new laws to smoke out” the illegal market.

“Ahead of the February 1, 2026, deadline, Tobacco Licensing Victoria is assessing licence applications … any retailer caught selling illicit tobacco will face fines of up to $1.8m or jail and bans from selling tobacco for up to five years,” they said.

Extracted in full from:  https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/days-after-raids-these-illegal-smoke-shops-have-fully-replenished-their-stock/news-story/72a765f3308aa7b8f11a20085bc9958a