Police seize $2m in illegal tobacco and cash in raids across Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Lincoln

A man has been arrested and $2m in cash and illegal tobacco seized as cops targeted more than 30 shops and homes across SA.

More than $2m in illegal tobacco and cash has been seized in widespread police raids of shops, homes and storage facilities as police increase pressure on the illicit tobacco trade in SA.

More than 30 properties across the Mid-North and Eyre Peninsula were searched between April 1 and 3, with officers widening their focus to tobacconists, barber and gift shops, mini-marts, commercial storage facilities and homes.

They seized $1,572,000 in illegal tobacco and $444,000 in cash.

Detectives from the serious and organised crime branch, along with local officers and Consumer and Business Services raided 31 properties at Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Lincoln.

Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels and Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Brett Humphrey in February, with what was then CBS’s biggest illicit tobacco bust from a single store. Picture: Keryn Stevens.

A Whyalla Playford man, 51, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession after police found $225,655 cash. Investigations are ongoing in relation to other seizures of cash and illicit tobacco.

The crackdown was part of Operation Eclipse, SAPOL’s anti-illegal tobacco and arson war task force.

Operation Eclipse commander Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said the seizures significantly disrupted the activities of crime syndicates in regional areas and had provided good intelligence into their business models.

He said they could also expect more disruption.

Tobacco seized from an earlier SA raid. Picture: SAPOL

Tobacco seized from an earlier SA raid. Picture: SAPOL

“Organised crime syndicates operating in regional areas will be subject to a whole-of-SAPOL response to disrupt their criminal activity and financial operations,’’ he said.

“SAPOL will pursue criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists and that includes those who are supporting and enabling that activity and take every opportunity to enforce the full extent of the confiscations legislation to seize assets of those involved.’’

Under Operation Eclipse, 33 people have so far been arrested and charged with offences including blackmail, arson, money laundering and serious criminal trespass.

There have been 179 premises searched – 47 homes, 119 businesses and 13 storage facilities – with more than $2m in cash seized, along with three firearms and almost $16.2m in tobacco.

Last week, a 28-year-old man from Direk, in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, was arrested and charged with three counts of possessing prescribed tobacco for the purpose of sale and eight counts of selling tobacco by retail without a licence

Police said Crime Stoppers had received 366 calls since October 2 resulting in information being provided to police.

Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Brett Humphrey said the partnership between CBS and SAPOL had made a significant impact on the illicit tobacco and vape trade in South Australia.

“Together, we are making inroads into the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes and we are taking this very seriously,” he said.

“CBS will continue to work with other agencies focused on reducing the illicit tobacco trade in South Australia.”

Anyone with any information on criminal activities surrounding the sale of illicit tobacco is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.