Murder investigation leads SafeWork SA to 14-tonnes illegal firework haul at Lonsdale

A murder investigation in Adelaide’s south has led police and SafeWork SA to a huge haul of black-market fireworks.

A murder investigation has led to one of the largest firework busts in the state’s history with 14 tonnes of the unlicensed explosives found in shipping containers in the southern suburbs.

The discovery was made when 50 police officers – investigating the murder of 36-year-old Jeff Mundy – searched a storage site at Lonsdale earlier this month.

The pyrotechnic display fireworks were stored in close to 1000 cartons in three separate shipping containers on the Morrow Rd site.

Authorities believe they were destined for the black market.

SafeWork SA seized 14 tonnes of fireworks earlier this month from a storage site in Lonsdale. Picture: Supplied

SafeWork SA inspectors seized the contents of the containers and removed the fireworks to a secure location.

The safety watchdog’s chief executive Martyn Campbell said they could have caused a devastating explosion if ignited while on the premises.

Police at the scene on Morrow Road, Lonsdale, during a search for evidence in the investigation into the death of Jeff Mundy. NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

“Taking over 14 tonnes of fireworks off the black market is a win for public safety but

people still need to be aware of the danger posed by unlicensed pyrotechnic

displays,’ Mr Campbell said.

About 50 police officers under Taskforce Southern – launched to investigate the murders of Mr Mundy, Robert Atkins and Trevor King a year ago – raided the Lonsdale property earlier this month

The found a firearm, Taser, cannabis and three shipping containers of the fireworks, Major Crime Investigation Branch Detective Inspector Brett Featherby said.

The purchase and use of fireworks is illegal in South Australia and puts people and

property at risk with penalties up to $5000 for the unlawful sale and use.

Safety risks associated with fireworks include burns, damage to vision, hearing and

property damage as a result of explosion or fire.

“The festive period is the peak season for fireworks which need to be managed

competent people holding the required licences,” Mr Campbell said.

SafeWork SA has received more than 30 notifications from licensed pyrotechnicians

to hold fireworks displays in December.

The fireworks were found during this raid of a Lonsdale property over the murder of Jeff Mundy. NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

These notifications are checked by explosives inspectors to ensure that the

pyrotechnician’s have planned to run their display safely.

Mr Campbell said fireworks are a highlight for many at this time of year.

“But the dangers are real, and fireworks should only be handled by licensed

professionals,” he said.

The Lonsdale area where the shipping containers were found is frequented by low-level drug users and dealers, Mr Featherby said.

“We believe that the people that were involved in his murder may not have necessarily been involved with the disposal of his body and there may be separate or multiple suspects involved in those roles,” he said.

Major Crime are also exploring the involvement of members of drug syndicates in the Lonsdale area, Aldinga and Sellicks Beach and their role in Mr Munday’s murder and disappearance.

Originally published as Murder investigation leads SafeWork SA to 14-tonnes illegal firework haul at Lonsdale