17/12/2024
Police have made the largest single retail seizure of illicit tobacco products as part of intensive ongoing Operation Eclipse investigations.
The seizure was made at a Welland retail premises on Wednesday during raids on 15 tobacconists, candy and gift shops and small supermarkets.
The tobacco products were found in a shed at the rear of the Welland premises. Detectives believe the stockpile was also being used to stock other retail outlets across the western suburbs.
The December 11 raids were carried out by 80 police officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Branch, Major Crime Investigation Branch, Financial and Cybercrime Investigation Branch and Public Protection Branch with the support of officers from each suburban policing district.
Illicit tobacco worth just over $1million was seized at the 15 premises, with the bulk of it from the Welland premises. Detectives also seized $8000 cash. Only two of the premises were licensed.
While detectives were searching one premises a courier arrived to deliver 14 large boxes of illicit tobacco products.
Since November 26 detectives have searched 24 premises as part of ongoing investigations supporting Consumer and Business Services and, in some instances, to investigate serious criminal offending including arson, extortion and money laundering.
Operation Eclipse tactical commander Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said the recent activity had further impacted the activities of those selling illicit tobacco in South Australia.
“These investigations have further enhanced our knowledge of the operating model of the syndicate involved,’’ he said.
Police have also made another arrest in connection with an arson attack on a gift shop on Addison Rd at Pennington on October 15.
On November 29 a man, 41, of Gawler, was arrested and charged with one count of arson. He will appear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on January 10 2025.
His arrest is the second by Western Districts detectives in connection with the October 15 incident.
“We are confident an ongoing review of all available evidence in the recent arson attacks will result in further arrests,’’ Detective Chief Inspector Featherby said.
“We are continuing to receive excellent support from the public and have so far received 167 calls to Crime Stoppers with valuable intelligence information that is assisting us to disrupt the activities of the syndicates.
“SAPOL will continue to have a whole of organisation response to disrupt their financial activities and criminal activity.’’
Operation Eclipse has so far resulted in 22 arrests for offences including blackmail, arson, money laundering and serious criminal trespass. There have been 87 premises searched – 27 residential and 60 businesses – just over $1million in cash, three firearms, nine vehicles and tobacco worth more than $7.8 million seized.
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