Western Australian police are actively investigating whether a violent ram-raid at a popular Perth cafe is connected to the state's escalating illegal tobacco trade war.
Smash-and-Grab at Kabul Cafe
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning at the Kabul Cafe on Beaufort Street in Mount Lawley. According to authorities, a stolen Toyota Hilux ute was used to smash through the front of the eatery just after 3:00 am.
A second vehicle, described as a stolen white Toyota Camry, was also involved in the incident. Police are working to determine the exact sequence of events and the motives behind the targeted attack.
Possible Connection to Tobacco Wars
A key line of inquiry for detectives is a potential link to the ongoing and violent conflict over the illicit tobacco market in Western Australia. This so-called "tobacco war" has seen a series of firebombings, shootings, and other attacks on tobacco stores and related businesses.
The cafe is owned by Joshua Ross McDonald, a 33-year-old man who is currently before the courts on separate, serious drug charges. McDonald was arrested in February as part of a major police operation targeting methamphetamine distribution.
While police have not confirmed a direct link, the nature of the attack and the profile of the business owner have prompted them to explore possible connections to organised criminal activity surrounding illegal cigarettes.
Police Investigation and Public Appeal
Forensic officers conducted a detailed examination of the crime scene throughout Thursday, collecting evidence from the damaged premises and the vehicles involved. The stolen Hilux was found abandoned at the scene, while the Camry was later located in the nearby suburb of Maylands.
WA Police have released images of the stolen white 2018 Toyota Camry, with the registration 1CEN 874, in the hope that members of the public may have seen it in the lead-up to the ram-raid or have any relevant dashcam or CCTV footage.
Detectives are urging anyone with information about the incident or the movements of the vehicles to contact Crime Stoppers immediately. The brazen attack has caused significant damage to the local business and raised concerns in the Mount Lawley community.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to piece together the circumstances and identify those responsible for the early morning ram-raid.
