In an effort to halt illegal tobacco sales, South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services has conducted a major operation across the region’s north and west. This critical strike against the illicit tobacco trade has resulted in the confiscation of more than $1.2 million worth of illegal products, including cigarettes and vapes.
The operation, supported by SAPOL’s Operation Eclipse, took place from December 1st to December 4th, targeting multiple businesses across the Mid North, Yorke Peninsula, and West Coast. A total of 17 short-term closure orders were issued, each lasting 28 days, affecting stores in Moonta, Kadina, Wallaroo, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Whyalla, and Port Lincoln.
The haul included over 52,000 packets of cigarettes, more than 136,000 cigarette tubes, nearly six thousand vapes, and 73 kilograms of loose tobacco. Iillegal items valued at approximately $869,000 were confiscated from Port Lincoln alone. Significant seizures also occurred in Whyalla and Port Augusta, with confiscated products worth roughly $260,000 and $70,000, respectively. Additional seizures from Yorke Peninsula totalled about $50,000.
Specific stores facing closure orders include Smoke King and American Candy in Port Lincoln; Topz Shopz Deli and Whyalla Gifts and Accessories in Whyalla; Shop 360 and Smoke Shop in Port Augusta; and multiple outlets such as Port Pirie Gifts and Accessories, Port Pirie Convenience, and Smoke Dream in Port Pirie. Copper Coast shops affected include Smoke Accessories and Gifts, Kadina Gift and Accessories, Wallaroo Gift House, and Good n Cheap.
South Australia has been recognised as a leader in tackling the illicit tobacco market, a commendation supported by its recent ranking as the best in the nation by the Australian Council on Smoking and Health. The state’s proactive measures, including stringent penalties and enforcing closure orders, have made a significant impact on curtailing this illegal trade.
The state’s dedicated illicit tobacco taskforce, established following a $16 million investment by the Malinauskas Government, has been at the forefront of these enforcement activities. This taskgroup has not only targeted metropolitan Adelaide but also extended its operations across regional areas of South Australia. To date, it has been responsible for seizing products valued at over $50 million across more than 100 stores statewide.
Andrea Michaels MP, Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs shared, “The Malinauskas Government has been relentless in the fight against illicit tobacco and our illicit tobacco taskforce is active right across the state.
“We know it is largely organised crime that is behind this trade and closing down stores significantly disrupts their business model. The presence of illicit tobacco is extremely dangerous, and we are not going to allow these criminals to operate in our state.”
The continued efforts by the South Australian government highlight its commitment not only to uphold the law but also to protect its citizens from the dangers associated with illicit tobacco products. The stringent action against such activities aims to dismantle the networks involved in this criminal enterprise, signalling the government’s firm stance against illegal trade practices within the state.
More News
