Mafia-like cartel grips Melbourne amid tobacco wars

Melbourne is experiencing an escalating wave of tobacco and alcohol-related violence, with authorities warning that a mafia-like criminal network known as 'the Commission' could target any type of business. Following the arrest of an alleged key player, the cartel issued a public message declaring operations would continue unchanged. Former Victoria Police detective Charlie Bazzina criticises the government's response as a political stunt, arguing that existing federal intelligence agencies already have the necessary powers, but courts are failing to impose adequate penalties to deter organised crime.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.