Fresh arrest as Operation Eclipse continues to combat South Australia’s illicit tobacco trade

A 28 year old has been arrested this week as SA Police’s Operation Eclipse continues to target the illicit tobacco trade.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested this week as SA Police’s Operation Eclipse continues to target the illicit tobacco trade.

Police investigations resulted in the arrest of a 28-year-old man from Direk on Monday who was charged with three counts of possessing prescribed tobacco for the purpose of sale and eight counts of selling tobacco by retail without a licence.

The latest arrest comes as police continue to ramp up action to stop the illicit tobacco trade.

Operation Eclipse commander Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said the cash seizures demonstrated the amount of money being generated from the illicit tobacco market. Picture: NCA / NewsWire Emma Brasier

Between August 2024 and the end of March 2025, police say officers have searched 20 business addresses, commercial storage facilities, a transit facility and residential addresses in the Riverland, Whyalla and across the metropolitan area.

These incidents have resulted in seizures in excess of $2.5 million in illicit tobacco products and $391,000 cash.

Operation Eclipse commander Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said the cash seizures demonstrated the amount of money being generated from the illicit tobacco market.

“SAPOL will continue to have a whole of organisation response to disrupt organised crime syndicates driving the illicit tobacco trade in South Australia to suppress serious criminal activity and ensure community safety,” he said,

“I remind those involved in the illicit tobacco trade that SAPOL will pursue criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists and that includes those that are supporting or enabling that criminal activity”.

The 28-year-old man from Direk was bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on May 28.

Originally published as Fresh arrest as Operation Eclipse continues to combat South Australia’s illicit tobacco trade