A former police detective has dismissed the Victorian Government’s reported plans for an organised crime agency as a “political stunt”, claiming cops have been left without adequate support.

The criticism comes as fears mount that a mafia-like cartel is tightening its grip on Melbourne, with authorities warning the city’s escalating tobacco and alcohol wars could spread beyond illicit trades and place almost any business at risk.

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Speculation is growing that Premier Jacinta Allan is preparing to establish a dedicated organised crime agency to combat the crisis.

But former Victoria Police detective Charlie Bezzina questioned whether another agency was needed, arguing that authorities should instead strengthen the powers and resources already available to them.

Victoria’s Chief Commissioner of Police, Mike Bush, last week called for the Allan Government to remove restrictions that prevent officers from investigating organised crime without receiving approval after applying to a magistrate for a warrant.

“This takes a lot of planning involved in it. And as Chief Commissioner Bush said, what he’s after is basically more powers,” Bezzina argued.

He pointed to existing agencies, including the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and Victoria’s Office of the Chief Examiner, saying they already have the capability to target organised crime.

“These bodies are already there. What we really need is penalties, penalties to really drive the message home. And that’s where the police are being let down time and time again by the court system,” he said.

Bezzina also accused the Victorian Government of failing to adequately back Victoria Police, arguing Chief Commissioner Mike Bush was trying to tackle increasingly sophisticated organised crime networks without the powers and resources he needs.

“They’ve actually stripped them of powers, of what they can and can’t do. And poor old Mr Bush is trying to do the best he can with what little he’s got. He is not getting the support from the government,” he said.

Bezzina’s comments come just days after police arrested one of the alleged key figures behind Melbourne’s tobacco and hospitality wars.

Hours after the arrest, the cartel known as “the Commission” allegedly issued a chilling message declaring: “Nothing changes, tax continues to be paid, and the boys will continue to burn.”