Operation Eclipse raid at Pooraka uncovers huge quantity of cigarettes, tobacco and cash

Police have raided the suspected safe house of one of the major players in the sale of illicit tobacco in SA, allegedly smoking out cigarettes with a street value of up to $1m. Watch the presser.

South Australian Police are cracking down on organised crime syndicates and raiding alleged safe houses, one of which uncovered a huge quantity of cigarettes estimated to be up to $1m in street value.

Operation Eclipse detectives converged on the Pooraka premises on Thursday and discovered illicit tobacco, including more than 200 large boxes of imported cigarette cartons and imported loose tobacco.

Police raided the suspected safe house of one of the major syndicates involved in the sale of illicit tobacco at Pooraka. Picture: SAPOL

Some of the tobacco, cigarettes and cash uncovered in the raid. Picture: SAPOL

Boxes found in the safe house. Picture: SAPOL

A commercial cash counter was also found at the premises. Picture: SAPOL

The initial estimates for the significant quantity of cigarettes were understood to be of a street value of up to $1m.

Detectives also found more than $10K in US currency and $10K in AUD currency concealed in the walls of the premises, as well as a commercial cash counter.

Operation Eclipse tactical commander Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby alleged the Pooraka safe house was only one of several in the metropolitan area being used by the organised crime syndicates to facilitate their illegal activities.

“We are aware that illicit tobacco is being transported from interstate in small trucks, such is the quantity being sold,’’ he said.

“I would ask any neighbour or landlord who has noticed this type of activity to contact police.”

WATCH THE PRESSER HERE:

This comes after police arrested five men – charged over various incidents including assault, affray, and money laundering – with further allegations the individuals were involved in the state’s alleged tobacco wars that are motivated by interstate syndicate rivalries.

Brothers Sajad Aref Abdul Al Mansoury, 31, Ali Aref Abdul Al Mansoury, 23, and Ahmed Aref Abdul Al Mansoury, 34, appeared in the dock of the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon.

Two other men, Ayoub Hasan Ali, 33, and Haydarah Kadhem, 23, appeared in the same court hearing via AVL from the cells beneath the courthouse.

Ahmed Aref Abdul Al Mansoury, who is understood to be a “key player” in the tobacco turf war was granted home detention bail. He will face court again in January.

The four other men also applied for home detention bail, and will return to court next month for outcomes.

Operation Eclipse is investigating more than 16 arson attacks perpetrated by organised crime syndicates across the state that were committed as an intimidation tactic against retail distributors of illicit tobacco.

Originally published as Operation Eclipse raid at Pooraka uncovers huge quantity of cigarettes, tobacco and cash