Police have seized almost $800,000 worth of illegal tobacco and $66,000 in cash in raids on 10 premises in the Limestone Coast.
Serious and Organised Crime Branch, Limestone Coast police and members from Consumer and Business Affairs searched premises at Mount Gambier, Naracoorte and Millicent last week as part of Operation Eclipse investigations.
The locations searched included tobacconists, candy and gift shops, a commercial storage facility and residential premises.
In one search at a Mount Gambier gift shop $245,000 of illicit tobacco was located.
Further investigations resulted in the seizure of $540,000 worth of tobacco products at a commercial storage premises in Mount Gambier.
The searches resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old Salisbury North man for failing to provide his name and address.
Operation Eclipse commander Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said the regional seizures had significantly disrupted the activities of the syndicates.
“If organised crime syndicates think they can operate in regional areas and not come to the attention of police they are wrong,’’ he said.
“The seizures in the South East have enhanced our knowledge of the operating model of the syndicates and are the subject of further investigations.
“SAPOL will continue to have a whole of organisation response that targets the syndicates to disrupt their financial operations and criminal activity.
“We will pursue criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists and that includes those who are supporting and enabling that activity.’’
Operation Eclipse has so far resulted in 29 arrests for offences including blackmail, arson, money laundering and serious criminal trespass.
There have been 122 premises searched – 36 residential and 86 businesses – almost $1.25m in cash, three firearms and almost $10.1m in tobacco seized.
Nine vehicles have also been seized for confiscation.
Significantly, there have been 230 calls to Crime Stoppers since October 2 that have resulted in information being provided to police.
Anyone with any information on criminal activities surrounding the sale of illicit tobacco is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestopperssa.com.au – You can remain anonymous.
