South Australia Police have made their largest seizure to date under Operation Eclipse, confiscating more than $7 million worth of illicit tobacco products and restraining over $22 million in assets.
More than seven million cigarettes and 3.9 tonnes of loose tobacco were seized from a Salisbury warehouse, which police allege was being used as a statewide distribution hub.
Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby, Commander of Operation Eclipse, said the action represented a major blow to organised crime.
“The seizure of products, assets and finances by police will result in significant disruption to the criminal syndicates operating in South Australia.
“SAPOL will pursue criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists and that includes those who are supporting and enabling that activity and take every opportunity to enforce the full extent of the confiscations legislation to seize assets of those involved.”
A 24-year-old man from Prospect was arrested in Whyalla after police stopped a vehicle on the Lincoln Highway around midday on Tuesday 6 May. Officers allegedly found a large quantity of illicit tobacco in the vehicle. He has been charged with possession of tobacco products and e-cigarette products for sale and is due to appear in Whyalla Magistrates Court on 22 July.
Further searches, including one at a Para Hills home, led to the arrest of a 51-year-old man. He was charged with possession of tobacco products for sale and is scheduled to appear in Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 17 June.
Police say the restrained assets include more than $9 million in cash held in two bank accounts. Investigations are ongoing.
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Is the value calculated on retail value or illegal value ?