SA Police warn organised crime still at work amid new arson attacks linked to underworld tobacco war

Organised crime syndicates are still at work around the state, police warn, after another spake of arson attacks on businesses.

Police are warning South Australians that organised crime syndicates are still operating within the state’s underground tobacco market, as authorities appeal for witnesses to a spate of arson attacks across Adelaide.

It comes as officers, including members from the Serious and Organised Crime Branch, raided 27 properties – seizing more than $2.38 million worth of illicit tobacco and $430,000 in cash – during a blitz in metropolitan Adelaide and regional SA between March 7 and 11.

Officer in Charge of Serious Crime Taskforce, Detective Chief Inspector Tim Rasch said two businesses and a car had been set alight in recent weeks, and police from Operation Eclipse – which probes illegal activity associated with the illicit tobacco trade – were investigating any links with the underground market.

A Hectorville business owner saved another business from going up in flames after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the window. Picture: Sam Lowe

SA Police has seized more than $2.38 million worth of illegal tobacco and $430,000 in cash during their latest crackdown on the illicit tobacco trade. Picture: SA Police.

A tobacco shop on Glynburn Rd, Hectorville was targeted on February 21, a shisha shop at Blair Athol was torched on March 7 and a vehicle in Leonard St, Melrose Park was set alight on March 13.

When police searched the car after the blaze was extinguished, they found 8000 illicit cigarettes and 3kg of illegal loose-leaf tobacco.

Further investigations revealed the car was located about 600m away from a shop selling illicit tobacco and police are looking into whether the business and the vehicle fire are connected.

“We are seeking any person who may have witnessed suspicious activity or has dashcam footage in the vicinity of the recent arson attacks at Hectorville, Blair Athol and Melrose Park,” Detective Chief Inspector Rasch said.

“I wish to reiterate that these attacks are targeted and it’s important that SAPOL and Operation Eclipse respond to these appropriately to ensure public safety.”

Illicit tobacco seized in Operation Eclipse. Picture: SAPOL

Meanwhile, SA Police has revealed their latest offensive against SA’s war on crime.

During the most recent raids from March 7-11, police attended a business on Semaphore Rd, Semaphore and spoke to two men. One of the men – a 49-year-old Victorian man – was arrested after he was allegedly found in possession of $30,000 cash.

He was charged with unlawful possession and was bailed to appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on April 4.

On March 11, Heavy Vehicle Enforcement officers stopped a truck on the South-Eastern Freeway at Monteith and a search of the vehicle uncovered six pallets of illegal tobacco – valued at about $1.5 million – which had been transported into the state from the eastern states.

“These recent seizures clearly show that the organised crime syndicates are still active in the South Australian community” Detective Chief Inspector Rasch said.

“SA Police will continue to investigate any information that may lead to the identity of the people involved in this illegal activity, and will continue to ensure that people are held accountable where sufficient evidence exists for a prosecution.”

Operation Eclipse was established in September last year in response to the growing underground trade of illicit tobacco in SA.

More than $12 million in illegal tobacco and $2 million in cash has been seized since the operation began.

As part of the war on illicit tobacco, the Consumer and Business Services Minister can shut down a shop suspected of selling illegal tobacco or vapes for 72 hours. Magistrates can then order shops be closed for up to six months.

A convenience store on Rundle St, Adelaide was ordered to close for 72 hours on Thursday, March 13.

Originally published as SA Police warn organised crime still at work amid new arson attacks linked to underworld tobacco war