In an exclusive report by 7NEWS Australia, Melbourne gangsters have begun extending a violent tobacco turf war into regional towns. Longwarry — a town of about 2,000 people — has become the latest target. A small, family-run supermarket has faced ransom demands, standover tactics and a brazen crash that was filmed and delivered as a direct threat to the owners.
Table of Contents
- What happened in Longwarry
- How the attacks unfolded
- Why this is about more than cheap cigarettes
- Impact on the family and the town
- What can be done — immediate steps and longer-term solutions
- Voices from the frontline
- Conclusion
- FAQ
What happened in Longwarry
Over the past few months the Proposh family, who have run their local shop for 21 years, have seen an escalation in criminal behaviour directed at their business. The intimidation has taken several forms: a ransom note taped to the front door, break-ins targeting cigarettes, and — most alarmingly — a stolen car driven straight into the supermarket in the middle of the night.
The hooded driver filmed the incident, creating a clear message to the family. As one family member put it, "We're just happy that we didn't get blown up." The note attached to the door read, "hello, you have 24 hours to contact the commission on WhatsApp." The family did not comply.
How the attacks unfolded
- July break-in: Thieves forced entry and stole thousands of dollars' worth of cigarettes from the cabinet.
- Ransom note: Men in black taped a note to the front door demanding contact via WhatsApp within 24 hours.
- Vehicle attack: Early one morning a stolen Subaru rammed the supermarket façade; the driver recorded the crash as an intimidation tactic.
Locals described the threats as extreme — referencing fire bombs and arson as possible consequences if the shop refused to cooperate. The family has had enough: "Like, the government have got to do something. Otherwise, people are going to get hurt," they said.
Why this is about more than cheap cigarettes
These incidents highlight a wider problem: the illegal tobacco trade. When stores are targeted, it is usually because criminal syndicates seek to control supply and distribution channels. The family told reporters they want the public to understand that buying cheap illicit cigarettes helps fund organised crime. As one commentator in the story put it, "It's not just cheap cigarettes, it's criminal syndicates that are targeting legal businesses."
The cycle of crime
Local shops can be overloaded by two simultaneous pressures: theft of legal stock and coercion to sell illicit products. When legitimate retailers resist, criminals escalate with intimidation to force compliance or to drive them out of the market entirely. That leaves communities exposed to both criminal activity and reduced access to local services.
Impact on the family and the town
After 21 years of community service the family is exhausted and fearful. The constant threat has cost them sleep and peace of mind. Customers and neighbours are worried too — a small town doesn't usually see this level of organised intimidation. The local economy and sense of safety are both at stake.
What can be done — immediate steps and longer-term solutions
- Report and record: Businesses should report any threats or thefts to police immediately and keep detailed records, including photos and video evidence.
- Community support: Local communities can support targeted businesses by shopping locally and publicly condemning intimidation tactics.
- Law enforcement action: Authorities need targeted enforcement against organised crime networks that operate illegal tobacco supply chains.
- Policy responses: Stronger penalties for trafficking illicit tobacco and improved tracing of supply chains can reduce the profitability of these activities.
Voices from the frontline
"I wasn't surprised. No, we were expecting it. We're just happy that we didn't get blown up."
That quote captures the grim pragmatism of a family forced to confront large-city criminals in a quiet regional town.
Conclusion
Longwarry's ordeal is a stark reminder that organised crime does not stay confined to big cities. The infiltration of the illegal tobacco trade into regional areas brings violence, coercion and fear to small-business owners who simply want to serve their communities. If government agencies, law enforcement and local residents do not act, the consequences could escalate from property damage to physical harm.
FAQ
Who is being targeted?
Small, family-run retail businesses that sell tobacco products — in this case, the Proposh family's supermarket in Longwarry.
What tactics are criminals using?
Ransom notes demanding contact via messaging apps, break-ins to steal cigarettes, arson threats, and direct vehicle attacks filmed as threats.
Why does the illegal tobacco trade matter?
Illicit tobacco undermines legitimate businesses, funds organised crime syndicates, and often brings increased violence to local communities.
What should local business owners do if they're threatened?
Contact police immediately, document all incidents, consider improving physical security, and seek support from local business associations or councils.
What can the community do to help?
Support local businesses, report suspicious activity to authorities, and advocate for stronger enforcement against illegal tobacco supply networks.
