Ajay Mittal accused of importing at least 100kg of tobacco inside shipping containers

An Adelaide Hills man who allegedly imported more than 100kg of tobacco was in possession of nearly $550,000 in cash and other property when he was arrested.

A Hills man allegedly imported more than 100kg of tobacco into the state inside shipping containers, a court has heard.

Ajay Mittal, 44, of Stirling, and Rajiv Mittal, 46, of Royston Park, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday accused of importing tobacco with the intention of defrauding revenue and possessing tobacco.

The court heard the pair allegedly jointly imported tobacco products in shipping containers between February 1 and April 15 last year at Plympton or elsewhere.

Mittal has been accused of importing tobacco. Picture: Ajay Mittal Facebook.

Magistrate Brett Dixon said it was in contravention of the Customs Act.

On Thursday, Ajay Mittal pleaded not guilty to possessing at least 100kg of tobacco at Stirling on April 20 last year, and at least 5kg at Plympton the same day.

He was also allegedly caught with money or other property valued $547,510 on April 20 at Stirling which was suspected to be the proceeds of crime.

Rajiv Mittal also pleaded not guilty to possessing more than 5kg of tobacco at Enfield on April 20 last year.

“It being reasonable to suspect that none of the following circumstances exist: excise duty has been paid or not paid because of an exemption,” Mr Dixon said.

Both men will face trial in the District Court of South Australia in September.

Mittal was allegedly found in possession of $457,000 in cash and property which was believed to be the proceeds of crime. Picture: Ajay Mittal Facebook.