Detectives from SAPOL's Serious and Organised Crime Branch and other specialist areas this morning conducted a series of searches on a private residence, several businesses and a storage facility as part of Operation Eclipse.
This morning's planned activity followed several weeks of intensive proactive investigations to identify the criminal networks involved in the trade of illicit tobacco and those believed responsible for the spate of arson attacks in recent months.
Just after 8am detectives attended an address at Blair Athol and arrested a 34-year-old man. Police will allege the man is a key figure in the current illegal activity in South Australia.
The man has been charged with four counts of money laundering. He has been refused bail and will appear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday 17 October.
Police will allege the charges relate to alleged activity associated with illicit tobacco sales in SA.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.
Following this arrest detectives attended three business premises at Hendon, Queenstown and Rosewater associated with the Blair Athol man. A storage facility at Salisbury Downs was also searched. They were searched in conjunction with officers from Consumer and Business Services.
Items seized by CBS officers at the three premises included significant quantities of loose tobacco, packaged cigarettes and vapes. The value of the seized goods was $358,955.
Operation Eclipse detectives seized documents, electronic devices, CCTV and a hard drive during the searches.
Intelligence from CBS and members of the public has now assisted in the identification of more than 200 stores that are known or suspected to be involved in the sale of illicit tobacco products.
Members of the public who are purchasing illicit tobacco products are directly supporting the organised crime syndicates who are driving the current Operation Eclipse related crime series.
Police believe there are three major organised crime syndicates involved in the current conflict over the illicit tobacco trade, with two groups linked to interstate syndicates, who are attempting to expand into South Australia.
Anyone who has any information in relation to any suspicious activity around business premises, specifically in the hours of darkness, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000 or online at www.crimestopeprssa.com.au
Operation Eclipse search footage:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/wZCCtBX92sg
