Black market crime crisis hits Melbourne stores

Melbourne retailers are facing escalating violence and intimidation from organised crime groups flooding stores with black market tobacco, vapes and now bootleg alcohol containing dangerous chemicals. Store owners report being threatened with protection rackets and armed robberies in broad daylight, with the industry losing $2.5 billion over five years. The Australian Association of Convenience Stores reports that 98% of nicotine vapes are supplied by criminal networks, calling for reduced tobacco excise and a regulated retail model to combat the crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.