Almost $1 million in illicit tobacco products found in walls and cars in seven raids across the state

Almost $1 million of illicit product has been seized in the last two weeks across seven raids in the southern suburbs and CBD. See the video.

Almost $1 million in illicit tobacco has been seized in the past two weeks following government raids on seven locations – finding product hidden in walls and cars.

On Saturday, footage compiled from seven raids across the CBD and southern suburbs showed Consumer and Business Services task force officers searching various locations for illicit goods.

Footage shows illegal tobacco products found in cut out section of walls, inside cars and in various unmarked cardboard boxes.

Some illicit tobacco products were found in wall cavities during seven raids in the last two weeks. Picture: Supplied

Illegal products were also found in a motor vehicle by Consumer and Business Services officers. Picture: Supplied

Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels said CBS had seized $630,000 worth of product, and received approximately $300,000 as part of investigations under Operation Eclipse.

The recent raids bring the total seizures to almost $2 million since July 1 which include 1.2 million cigarettes, almost a tonne of tobacco, more than 300kg of shisha and almost 15,000 vapes.

SAPOL have confirmed 11 recent suspicious arson attacks are linked to the illicit tobacco trade, and Police Minister Dan Cregan said it is believed a majority are linked to one group.

“It is believed up to 7 of these incidents are related to a single group, and police are continuing their inquiries,” Mr Cregan said.

Almost $1 million worth of illicit tobacco products have been seized by Consumer and Business Services and SAPOL in the past two weeks. Picture: Supplied

The Labor Government have invested $16 million dollars into the CBS taskforce to help resource the “fight” against vapes and illegal tobacco in SA.

New penalties have been introduced to parliament to include increasing fines up to $1.5 million for selling illegal vapes and tobacco products.

The introduced legislation would also grant new powers to the Consumer and Business Affairs Minister to allow them to order the closure of a suspected illicit tobacco seller for up to 72 hours.

The initial order would apply for 72 hours and closure orders can be made for up to six months with the approval of a Magistrate.

Breaches under the proposed order would result in a penalty of up to $1.1 million for a business and an individual up to $700,000.

Originally published as Almost $1 million in illicit tobacco products found in walls and cars in seven raids across the state