Police seize millions of cigarettes, tonnes of tobacco in SA raidsBy Duncan BaileyABC Eyre PeninsulaTopic:Illicit Goods1m ago1 minutes agoMon 12 May 2025 at 6:19amAn industrial premises at Salisbury was allegedly being used as a distribution centre for illegal tobacco products. (Supplied: South Australia Police)In short:South Australian police say they have seized more than seven million cigarettes and 3.9 tonnes of loose tobacco valued at more than $7 million.Police say the confiscation of product and cash is a major blow to organised criminals in the state.What's next?Two men – one from Prospect and one from Para Hills – have been arrested and are expected to face court in June and July.abc.net.au/news/sa-police-seize-cigarettes-tobacco-cash/105282606Link copiedShareShare articleSouth Australian police say organised crime syndicates have been dealt a major blow after the seizure of more than $22 million in assets, including $9m in cash, in recent raids.Eyre Western Police stopped a vehicle at about 12pm on May 6 on the Lincoln Highway at Whyalla and allegedly located a large quantity of illicit tobacco products.Further investigation led Operation Eclipse detectives to search an industrial premises at Salisbury, in Adelaide's northern suburbs, which was allegedly being used as a statewide distribution warehouse supplying retail outlets with illicit tobacco products.Police made two arrests after the raids. (Supplied: South Australia Police)Police say they seized more than seven million cigarettes and 3.9 tonnes of loose tobacco valued at more than $7m.Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said the confiscation of products, assets and finances would result in "significant disruption to the criminal syndicates operating in South Australia".The bust follows a $1.5m seizure of illegal tobacco and $444,000 in cash in Mid North and Eyre Peninsula raids in April.Premises at Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Lincoln were targeted in the raids that took place between April 1 and April 3.Chief Inspector Featherby says the seizures have dealt a blow to organised crime activity in the state. (ABC News: Lincoln Rothall)Chief Inspector Featherby said police would pursue criminal charges when sufficient evidence had been gathered."That includes those who are supporting and enabling that activity … [police will] take every opportunity to enforce the full extent of the confiscations legislation to seize assets of those involved," he said.A 24-year-old Prospect man was arrested in Whyalla and charged with possession of tobacco and e-cigarette products for sale and possession.He has been granted bail and is expected to appear in Whyalla Magistrates Court on July 22.A Para Hills home was also searched as part of the investigation and a 51-year-old local was arrested.He was charged with possession of tobacco products for sale and bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on June 17.Posted 1m ago1 minutes agoMon 12 May 2025 at 6:19amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesNationals vow to give 'stability and strength' to the Coalition after Littleproud re-electedLIVEPhoto shows David Littleproud, flanked by Kevin Hogan and Bridget McKenzieRowland to become attorney-general on Albanese's new-look frontbenchTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Anthony Albanese waves inside parliament house.One child is slapped, another vomits metal hooks: Inside an Australian childcare giantTopic:Child CarePhoto shows A still from a Snapchat video shows a baby on a bouncer crying.Is Chalmers prepared to follow Keating into the 'slaying' business?AAnalysis by Alan KohlerPhoto shows Jim Chalmers walks into QT smiling.Australian bomb disposal worker killed in UkraineTopic:Unrest, Conflict and WarPhoto shows ukrainelandminesRelated storiesSA police seize $1.5m of tobacco in raids against 'criminal syndicates'Topic:CrimePhoto shows Boxes of vapes stacked next to each other on displayRelated topicsCrimeIllicit GoodsPolicePort LincolnProspectSalisburyWhyallaTop StoriesNationals to give 'stability and strength' to the Coalition after Littleproud re-electedTopic:Government and PoliticsPhoto shows David Littleproud, flanked by Kevin Hogan and Bridget McKenzieRowland to become attorney-general on Albanese's new-look frontbenchTopic:ElectionsOne child is slapped, another vomits metal hooks: Inside an Australian childcare giantTopic:Child CareIs Chalmers prepared to follow Keating into the 'slaying' business?AAnalysis by Alan KohlerAustralian bomb disposal worker killed in UkraineTopic:Unrest, Conflict and WarJust InUkrainian ambassador visits regional cafe that put tariffs on US goodsTopic:Small Businesses20m ago20 minutes agoMon 12 May 2025 at 6:00amLittleproud remains as Nationals leader, seeing off Canavan challengeTopic:Federal Government10m ago10 minutes agoMon 12 May 2025 at 6:10am'Oblivious': This operator says light rail assistance is little helpTopic:State and Territory Government10m ago10 minutes agoMon 12 May 2025 at 6:10amVandals damage culturally significant waterfalls loved by touristsTopic:Vandalism46m ago46 minutes agoMon 12 May 2025 at 5:34amMore Just InBack to top