The SA Government has intensified efforts to eradicate the illicit tobacco market in South Australia. In the past fortnight, nearly $1 million worth of illegal tobacco products has been seized. This crackdown is a joint effort between SAPOL and Consumer and Business Services.
Andrea Michaels, the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, and Dan Cregan, the Minister for Police, announced that 11 arson attacks have been linked to the illicit tobacco trade so far. SAPOL’s Operation Eclipse is focused on investigating these arson attacks and other related criminal activities.
The government’s determination to eliminate this illegal activity is evident through their recent seizures, which have significantly undercut the operations of those involved in the illicit market. Consumer and Business Services confiscated approximately $630,000 worth of illegal products in the last two weeks. Meanwhile, SAPOL confiscated about $300,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vapes. These confiscated items have since been transferred to Consumer and Business Services for further processing.
Since 1 July, total confiscations amount to almost $2 million. This includes 1.2 million cigarettes, nearly a tonne of tobacco, over 300 kilograms of shisha, and almost 15,000 vapes. The confiscated items highlight the extensive nature of the illegal market.
In a statement, Michaels said, “We will not tolerate the threat posed to our community by the criminals involved in these illegal tobacco shops. It’s bad enough the damage they are willing to do to people’s health but the escalation of arson and violence over the past few weeks is extremely concerning.”
Further strengthening their efforts, the SA Government introduced a new $16 million taskforce, which began operations on July 1st. This taskforce within Consumer and Business Services is spearheading the crackdown on illegal vapes and tobacco.
Significant legislative measures have also been proposed. These include substantially higher penalties and new powers for Michaels to shut down businesses suspected of dealing in illicit tobacco products or vapes. Initial closures can last 72 hours, with potential extensions up to six months upon Magistrate approval.
Cregan highlighted the collaboration between SAPOL and Consumer and Business Services: “SA Police is working with Consumer and Business Services to detect and disrupt criminals engaged in the illicit tobacco trade. Serious offending involving arson, assaults and money laundering risks public safety and SAPOL continues to target those who exploit others for their own gain.”
It is estimated that organised crime groups control 75 per cent of the illegal tobacco market in Australia. With such substantial criminal involvement, the government sees the need for continued and robust enforcement actions.
The public is encouraged to report illegal tobacco or vape dealers here.
