South Australia Seizes $1.2M Illegal Tobacco & Vapes in Regional Crackdown

South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has executed a significant operation targeting the illicit tobacco trade across the state’s north and west regions, resulting in the seizure of illegal products valued at over $1.2 million. The crackdown, conducted between December 1st and 4th with support from SAPOL’s Operation Eclipse, focused on businesses in the Mid North, Yorke Peninsula, and West Coast.

Authorities confiscated a massive haul, including over 52,000 packets of cigarettes, 136,000 cigarette tubes, nearly 6,000 vapes, and 73kg of loose tobacco. Port Lincoln saw the largest seizure, with items worth approximately $869,000 confiscated. Other significant seizures occurred in Whyalla ($260,000) and Port Augusta ($70,000). Consequently, 17 stores across towns like Moonta, Kadina, Wallaroo, Port Pirie, and Whyalla were issued 28-day short-term closure orders.

Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Andrea Michaels MP, emphasized the government’s relentless stance against organized crime driving this trade. “Closing down stores significantly disrupts their business model,” she stated. This operation is part of a broader strategy by the Malinauskas Government, which invested $16 million into a dedicated illicit tobacco taskforce. To date, this taskforce has seized over $50 million in illegal products statewide. South Australia’s proactive measures have earned it recognition as the nation’s leader in tackling the illicit tobacco market by the Australian Council on Smoking and Health.

• News source: South Australia cracks down on illegal tobacco, seizing over $1.2 million in products

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With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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