Police probe Ballajura City Shopping Centre fire as blaze raises fears of escalating Perth tobacco wars

Police are investigating another overnight fire at a lolly store — just 24 hours after a shop in Huntingdale went up in flames — as the State’s tobacco wars continue to escalate. Emergency services were called to Candy Station — an American-style lolly store — on Illawarra Crescent in Ballajura about 4am on Thursday after reports of a fire inside a Ballajura City Shopping Centre business. Firefighters put out the blaze, with damage to the building described as minimal. Serious and organised crime division detectives were also on the scene on Thursday morning. The fire is being investigated by Taskforce Maverick, a specialist unit established by WA Police on November 24 in response to a spate of criminal damage by fire attacks on premises across the metropolitan area. Police believe the incidents are linked to the illicit tobacco trade in WA. “Inquiries indicate these incidents are linked to the illicit tobacco trade in Western Australia,” a police statement read. Candy Station was the target of three separate arson attacks in 2025. In January of last year the store was first set alight by two firebugs, causing damage to the front and interior of the building. On July 29, 2025, a masked arsonist set fire to a Toyota Tarago van parked outside the store. And on August 11 2025 a “small” fire was started by a Molotov cocktail at the same premises. Just days before this incident the neighbouring pub, The Firkin Pub, — located just metres from Candy Station — sustained bullet holes to its window and vehicle. The Firkin owner Sanjay Patel told 7News at the time he didn’t believe his venue was the intended target. “I don’t know why. We’ve never had issues, its nine years, we’re a family business,” he said. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online here.