• Firebombs and gang wars: The bloody fallout of Australia’s tobacco crackdown

  • May 6 2025
  • Length: 13 mins
  • Podcast

Firebombs and gang wars: The bloody fallout of Australia’s tobacco crackdown

Listen for free

View show details

  • Summary

  • In January, Katie Tangey was killed in a Melbourne house fire believed to be part of the ongoing “tobacco wars”. Police say she was an innocent victim and the arsonists got the wrong address.

    The tobacco wars are driven by rival gangs fighting over a black market worth billions, and have been marked by firebombings, extortion and murder.

    While headlines focus on the violence, skyrocketing government taxes on tobacco have long been fuelling the fire behind the scenes.

    Today, associate editor for The Saturday Paper, Martin McKenzie-Murray, on how a public health initiative created the conditions for a deadly turf war.

    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

    Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

    Guest: Associate editor for The Saturday Paper, Martin McKenzie-Murray.

    Photo: AAP Image/Diego Fedele

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
Show More Show Less
activate_mytile_page_redirect_t1

What listeners say about Firebombs and gang wars: The bloody fallout of Australia’s tobacco crackdown

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com.au reviews

Amazon Reviews
No Reviews are Available
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.