Police have charged a 22-year-old Heathwood man following an investigation into arson attacks on tobacco and vape retail outlets in Queensland.
It will be alleged that at approximately 2:20am on August 14, multiple people broke into a shop in the Mount Isa CBD and doused the building with flammable liquid before setting it on fire.
Investigations conducted by Mount Isa Criminal Investigation Branch and Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command, Taskforce Masher, identified three teenagers who police will allege are responsible for the arson attack.
The three boys, two aged 16 and one aged 17, were charged with one count each of arson and enter premises with intent and appeared in the Mount Isa Childrens Court on September 20.
Further investigations by Taskforce Masher, a specialist Queensland Police Service taskforce targeting organised crime syndicates behind the illicit tobacco trade, identified a fourth person, who police will allege is involved in the coordination of the arson attack.
Detectives executed a search warrant yesterday in Crestmead which led to a 22-year-old man being charged with one count each of arson and enter premises with intent. He is expected to appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court today.
Investigations are continuing.
Detective Acting Superintendent David Briese, from the Drug and Serious Crime Group, said Taskforce Masher was established to combat the growing risk of serious and organised crime and harm to the community borne from the illicit tobacco market.
"Detectives, partner state agencies such as Queensland Health, and interstate policing jurisdictions work together to identify, investigate and disrupt criminal entities and organisations who seek to commit serious crime and put the community at risk," said Detective Acting Superintendent Briese.
"There are issues around the country with deliberate acts targeting tobacco shops and we are working closely with our counterparts to target those criminal organisations who are working across state borders.
"We are actively working closely with NSW Police Force to identify those responsible for recent arsons of tobacco shops in West End, and Ballina in north coast NSW.
"Our focus is to keep the community safe, and we will continue to monitor organised crime groups and any links between arson, attempted arson attacks and related offending on tobacco stores in Queensland."
Taskforce Masher was established to target organised crime syndicates involved in the coordination of offences of violence and property damage across Queensland, with the aim to disrupt and suppress this offending and identify the members of those organised crime syndicates.
The joint initiative involves the Crime and Intelligence Command working side by side with police regions across the state to investigate, disrupt and prevent these offences.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
