Sophie Amanda Elsom-Tucker to face trial over alleged money laundering at Rosewater tobacco shop

The young manager of a tobacco shop allegedly dealing in illegal goods has entered her pleas.

The teenage store manager of a tobacco store that allegedly sold illegal product and laundered money will face trial over the allegations.

On Wednesday, Sophie Amanda Elsom-Tucker, 18, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court due to enter pleas to two counts of knowingly engaging in money laundering.

Tobacco shop manager Sophie Amanda Elsom-Tucker will now face a District Court trial following pleading not guilty. Picture: Natalie Vikhrov

Magistrate Roderick Jensen recorded not guilty pleas through Ms Elsom-Tucker’s counsel, meaning the teen will now face a District Court trial.

Ms Elsom-Tucker was arrested in October 2024 after an attempted arson attack on the store led police to allegedly find meth pipes and bongs for sale at the premises.

The 18-year-old was initially charged with selling equipment for use or preparation of a controlled drug and money laundering.

Court documents obtained by The Advertiser following her first appearance allege she “directly or indirectly” engaged in a “transaction involving property namely, cash, cigarettes, vapes and tobacco of the value of more than $30,000, that she knew to be tainted property”.

She has also been accused of involvement in laundering between $2500 and $30,000 cash.

Both of the alleged offences occurred on October 14 at Rosewater.

The Adelaide woman’s arrest came as part of Operation Eclipse, a joint SA Police and Consumer and Business Affairs task force targeting the illicit tobacco trade in South Australia.