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Police are investigating a firebombing at an Asian grocery store in Melbourne's west, which occurred amidst rising tensions linked to the illegal tobacco trade known as the tobacco wars.
Tue 29 Sep 2026 at 7:57amABC News: Ethan WhiteAn Asian grocer in Melbourne's west has been damaged in what police have described as a firebombing, with offenders still on the run.
Multiple fire trucks attended the scene, and firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the blaze. The shopfront's glass door and window were smashed in, and many of the grocery items inside were burnt. Police said an investigation into the incident was ongoing as they tried to find those responsible.
"It is understood unknown offenders gained access to the business on Ballarat Road just before 11pm," a spokesperson said. Local shop owner, Henlui Tng, who lives in an apartment above his shop on Ballarat Road, said he smelt smoke at roughly 10pm.
"I'm still a little bit . I don't know what's going on.
"A shop next door was closed on Friday due to the suspected sale of illegal tobacco. "This notice is issued because I reasonably suspect that illicit tobacco is being sold or otherwise on the premises," a Victorian Police notice posted on the shopfront stated. Numerous venues across Melbourne have been caught in the crossfire of the illegal cigarette trade, dubbed the tobacco wars, over the past three years.
Melbourne Firebombing Crime Illegal Tobacco Police Investigation
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