Two men have been charged following a suspicious fire at a Browns Plains tobacconist last month that hospitalised two others hired as private security.
According to police, emergency services were called to the store at around 12.15am on 30 May to reports the building was engulfed in flames.
“On attendance two men were fleeing the rear of the premises suffering severe burns,” police said in a statement at the time.
“The men have told police that unknown males have entered the premises and poured a substance inside before setting it on fire.”
The injured men, aged 47 and 54, were taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with potentially life-threatening burns.
A crime scene was subsequently declared.
Today, police announced they had arrested two men on June 18 at addresses in Ashmore and Ascot.
Detective Acting Inspector Adam Bennett said the arrests were the result of a coordinated and methodical operation.
“This was a deliberate and dangerous act that could have easily resulted in loss of life.
“It’s through the dedication of detectives and specialist officers that we’ve been able to identify and apprehend those responsible.
“Extensive CCTV and forensics analysis were key to progressing this investigation, and today’s tactical operation was carefully planned to ensure the safe arrest of both men,” Detective Acting Inspector Bennett said.
A 40-year-old Coes Creek man and 41-year-old Ascot man have been charged with one count each of arson – structure or building, arson – motor vehicle-train-aircraft-vessel and unlawful use of motor vehicles aircraft or vessels – use used/intended for indictable offence in the night in company and two counts of acts intended to cause GBH or transmit serious disease.
Both men are due to appear at Beenleigh Magistrates Court today (19 June).
Police said these arrests formed part of Operation X-Ray Tank, which involved support from specialist units including the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), MOCS (Drug and Serious Crime Group), Taskforce Maxima, the Specialist Operations Unit, and regional CIB groups.
“This investigation also supports Taskforce Masher, a state-wide effort targeting violent crimes and extortion-related offences affecting tobacco stores and similar businesses across Queensland,” a police statment read.
“Taskforce Masher is actively working to disrupt criminal networks seeking to profit through violence and fear. Police will continue to target those involved in these serious crimes,” Detective Acting Inspector Bennett said.
While police have not confirmed whether the Browns Plains alleged arson attack was linked to organised crime, this is not the first time the Forestglen Crescent tobacconist has been targetted, with a car driving through the front of the premises last year.
It has joined a long list of tobacconists across Logan and the country destroyed by firebombings.
