Police believe the Ballina tobacconist ram raid on Wednesday, October 23, is linked to organised crime selling illicit tobacco following investigations by the Financial Crime Squad.

Detective Superintendent Gordon Abinja, the Commander of the Financial Crime Squad, said the Ballina ram raid was linked to another at Tweed Heads, which suffered two separate attacks, one in September and the other the day before the Ballina attack in October.

Supt Abinja said the tobacconist was extensively destroyed, the Ballina units above the tobacconist were completely destroyed, as were the associated commercial properties next to the tobacconist.

Police believe these three incidents are part of an organised crime network in Queensland.

Supt Abinja said fourteen (14) arson attacks have occurred in NSW this year, 30 in Queensland, 130 in Victoria, 8 in Western Australia and 12 in South Australia.

"We believe it's linked to the sale of illicit tobacco or standover tactics from organised crime networks that sell illicit tobacco," Supt Abinja said.

The sale of illegal tobacco products is lucrative because it bypasses government excise. One cigarette stick has an excise cost of over $1.30, making Australia one of the highest tobacco excises in the world. The average price of cigarettes is above $50 a pack.

Illegally imported — and untaxed — cigarettes are now widely available and sell for about half that price.

Financial Crime Squad detectives have released CCTV as they appeal for information following the ram raid and arson from the two tobacconists in Ballina and Tweed.

Detectives are also hoping to speak to the driver and passengers of a black BMW seen leaving the scene of the Ballina ram raid (pictured below).

Supt Abinja said a young man was taking pictures of the getaway vehicle in Ballina.

"When that person tried to take a photo, he was targeted. We allege that the driver of that black BMW tried to run over that person, and when he made evasive action, the vehicle still ran over his foot."

Supt Abinja's message to people who have information about the crime was to come forward.

"Look, they're quite safe ringing Crime Stoppers or contacting the Financial Crime Squad directly."

Anyone with information about any of the incidents is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.