South Australia Executes Major Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco and Vape Trade

South Australian law enforcement has broken up a massive illegal tobacco and vape smuggling network, making this the largest seizure ever recorded in operation Eclipse. Police started the operation after stopping a car on the Lincoln Highway close to Whyalla and finding an ample supply of illicit tobacco products. Subsequent investigations revealed an industrial building in Salisbury, which was identified as a critical distribution centre serving retailers with illicit tobacco and vape products across the whole state. More than seven million cigarettes and about 3.9 tonnes of loose tobacco worth over $7 million were recovered by the authorities. In addition to the confiscated cash and assets, more than $22 million in assets were also attached, which consisted of real property and silver bullion, and $9 million in cash was frozen from two bank accounts.

Two people have been arrested, one is a 24-year-old man from Prospect, the other is a 51-year-old man from Para Hills, who were charged with possession of tobacco products and e-cigarettes for sale. Their dates in court are respectively on June 17 and July 22.

The effects of the operation were emphasised by Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby, who said, “The seizure of these products, assets, and finances by police will have a huge impact on the organised crime networks operating in South Australia”.

As a September 2024 initiative, Operation Eclipse had proven crucial in uncovering and deactivating organised crime groups dealing in illegal tobacco trading. To date, 37 people have been arrested on charges of blackmail, illicit selling of tobacco products, arson, money laundering, and serious criminal trespass.

The South Australian government has proven to be passionate about eradicating illicit sales of tobacco with the provision of funds of $16 million towards the establishment of a special task force under the Consumer and Business Services. There are also new legislations that have been proposed to tighten the penalties, where commercial ICU and vape fines are set at up to $6.6 million.