The largest stockpile of illicit tobacco discovered in South Australia has been seized by Operation Eclipse detectives.
In a major blow to an organised crime syndicate involved in the illicit tobacco trade, products worth almost $8.1 million have been seized at an Edinburgh industrial warehouse.
The discovery was made on August 13 following extensive investigations by Operation Eclipse detectives. It is believed the premises was being used as a distribution warehouse.
The stockpile consisted of 8.6 million cigarettes worth almost $6.9 million, 1.35 million tobacco tubes worth $674,000 and just over one tonne of loose tobacco worth $500,000.
Operation Eclipse commander Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said it was believed the distribution warehouse was being used to supply illicit tobacco retail outlets in metropolitan and regional areas.
“This is a major blow to an organised crime syndicate involved in the illicit tobacco market in South Australia,’’ he said.
“Operation Eclipse continues to successfully identify opportunities to disrupt organised crime syndicates driving the illicit tobacco market in South Australia.
“Investigations are also continuing to identify and disrupt those involved in the cross-border trafficking of illicit tobacco into South Australia.’’
Det. Chief Insp. Featherby said the latest seizure was the subject of ongoing investigations and he was confident arrests would be made as a result.
“Investigations of this nature are complex and take time. This is one of a number of large seizures subject to ongoing investigations,’’ he said.
On August 11 a man, 57, of Pooraka, was arrested and charged in connection with a $1.65 million haul of illicit tobacco, US$10,000 in cash and $9,700 cash that was discovered on 24 October 2024.
The man has been charged with three counts of money laundering and has been given police bail to appear in Elizabeth Magistrates Court.
Det. Chief Insp. Featherby said Operation Eclipse activities had resulted in organised crime syndicates changing their operating model and tactics to prevent disruption by law enforcement.
“Coordination of a whole of SAPOL response has suppressed and disrupted the activities of organised crime syndicates driving serious criminal offending aligned with the illicit tobacco market in SA, including arsons and offences of violence,’’ he said.
“The response has had a significant impact on organised crime financial operations and criminal activity and will continue to do so.’’
To date Operation Eclipse activities have resulted in assets worth $22.8M being restrained where it is alleged those assets are instruments of the crime or proceeds of crime and the seizure of more than $2.5m in cash and $36.8 million in tobacco products.
