Police have uncovered a large amount of illegal tobacco at an Adelaide store as detectives delve into black market supply. The seized tobacco, valued at more than $450,000, was hidden in the shed of a Welland store – one of five supply depots linked to South Australia’s illegal tobacco war uncovered by Operation Eclipse. Investigations have revealed the stash was a supply hub for other illegal retailers in the western suburbs.
Police uncover large quantities of illegal tobacco at an Adelaide store (SA Police) “We are absolutely conscious that we need to keep the pressure on because we don’t want to see these crimes happening so that we can keep the community safe,” said Brett Featherby from SA Police. The raids were part of Wednesday’s raids. In total, police seized $1 million worth of illegal tobacco, as well as $8000 in cash, during raids on 15 businesses across Adelaide, including tobacco shops, confectionery and gift shops and small supermarkets. A 41-year-old Gawler man was also arrested for arson. Police said a total of 22 people with links to the black market have been arrested, while $7.8 million worth of tobacco has been seized. This article was written with the help of 9ExPress.