South Australia Police have made a record haul of illicit tobacco products in the biggest Operation Eclipse seizure to date.
Operation Eclipse Commander, Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby also revealed that organised crime syndicates have been dealt a major blow with police restraining more than $22 million in assets, including more than $9 million in cash from two bank accounts.
About 12pm on Tuesday 6 May, Eyre Western Police stopped a vehicle on the Lincoln Highway at Whyalla and allegedly located a large quantity of illicit tobacco products.
Further investigation led Operation Eclipse detectives to search an industrial premises at Salisbury being used as a statewide distribution warehouse supplying retail outlets with illicit tobacco products.
More than seven million cigarettes and 3.9 tonnes of loose tobacco were seized, valued at over $7 million.
A 24-year-old Prospect man was arrested in Whyalla and charged with possession of tobacco products for sale and possession of e-cigarette products for sale. He was bailed to appear in the Whyalla Magistrates Court on 22 July.
A Para Hills home was also searched as part of the investigation, and a 51-year-old Para Hills man was arrested. He was charged with possession of tobacco products for sale and bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Cour ton 17 June.
Investigations into the seizures are continuing.
Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said, “The seizure of products, assets and finances by police will result in significant disruption to the criminal syndicates operating in South Australia.”
“SAPOL will pursue criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists and that includes those who are supporting and enabling that activity and take every opportunity to enforce the full extent of the confiscations legislation to seize assets of those involved.
Anyone with any information on criminal activities surrounding the sale of illicit tobacco is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
Operation Eclipse has so far resulted in 37 arrests for offences including blackmail, possess tobacco products for sale, arson, money laundering and serious criminal trespass.
