Alleged illegal tobacco kingpin Nazir Haddara released on bail on strict conditions following police sting
ABCA magistrate has freed an alleged "tobacco wars" crime boss on bail, while acknowledging there will be a "significant risk" to public safety while he remains in the community ahead of a trial. Police have labelled Mr Haddara as a "director" and "principal offender" who oversaw financials, cigarette stock levels and sale of vapes as part of an alleged $30 million illegal tobacco empire. "It's widely-known among these members of the syndicate that Haddara is involved in these instances of burning shops," Senior Constable Keenan told the Melbourne Magistrates' Court. The senior constable said it was "highly likely" Mr Haddara sanctioned a stand-over beating of a rival shop owner, before the man's business was ram-raided with a stolen car earlier this year. The senior constable said Mr Haddara's cousin, Mr Jassem, was one of the syndicate's "enforcers", while fellow co-accused Isse Isse was regarded as second-in-command.
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Two men granted bail after police intercept shipment of thousands of vapes allegedly destined for Canberra and surrounds
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