Five men have been arrested this morning after a series of searches in the Metropolitan area as part of Operation Eclipse.
Just after 8am, Tuesday 22 October, Detectives from Serious and Organised Crime Branch attended and searched six residential and business premises located at Blair Athol, Walkley Heights, Dudley Park, Sheidow Park and Morphett Vale.
Detectives were supported by 45 police from specialist areas including STAR Operations, Metropolitan Districts, Digital Evidence Section and Confiscations Section officers.
As a result of these searches, Detectives have seized numerous items of interest including tobacco products, approximately $114,500 in cash and two vehicles including a black Range Rover (pictured).
The five men were arrested for offences that police will allege relate to the ongoing conflict, associated with the illicit tobacco sales in SA and the standover and intimidation tactics that are being used by these syndicates.
- A 34-year-old man from Blair Athol was charged with aggravated affray and aggravated assault
- A 31-year-old man from Blair Athol was charged with aggravated affray, attempt cause serious harm and money laundering
- A 23-year-old man from Blair Athol was charged with aggravated affray, aggravated attempt cause serious harm and money laundering
- A 33-year-old man from Walkley Heights was charged with aggravated affray and aggravated attempt cause harm
- A 23-year-old man from Dudley Park was charged with aggravated affray and aggravated assault.
All five men were refused police bail and are expected to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.
Members of the public who are purchasing illicit tobacco products are directly supporting the organised crime syndicates who are driving the current Operation Eclipse related crime series.
South Australia Police will continue to investigate offences of violence and extortion and aim to disrupt this type of offending to ensure public safety.
Anyone who has any information in relation to any suspicious activity around business premises, specifically in the hours of darkness, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
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