South australia tobacco wars arson attack cowandilla 20241016 p5z7h1.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Adelaide tobacco war takes life-threatening turn

Shannen McDonald

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Adelaide's tobacco war has taken a potentially life-threatening turn after firebombers targetted a black market store with people living above it.

The incident unfolded at Cowandilla late last night, leaving young families scrambling to evacuate.

CCTV footage captured two hooded figures deliberately setting the store ablaze, while residents living above were sleeping. 

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Adelaide's tobacco war has taken a potentially life-threatening turn. Nine

"We are sleeping and firefighters came … I have an eight-month-old baby," resident Harkiart Singh said.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens issued a stark warning following the arson.

"Every arson offence has the potential to cost someone their life," he said, adding that the black market only exists because smokers are willing to support it.

READ MORE: Dynamic pricing, hidden fees, other 'unfair' business tactics to be banned

The incident unfolded at Cowandilla late last night, leaving young families scrambling to evacuate. Nine

Operation Eclipse detectives were called to the incident, adding Cowandilla to the growing list of suburbs embroiled in the black market war. 

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The attack marked the 16th arson incident linked to the illicit trade.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.

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