More than $23 million in illicit tobacco and vapes have been seized across South Australia since the beginning of the South Australian government’s crackdown.
Since 1 July 2024, the state government says its illicit tobacco taskforce within Consumer and Business Services, in partnership with SAPOL’s Operation Eclipse and other agencies, has seized millions of dollars’ worth of illicit cigarettes, vapes and loose tobacco.
This includes:
- 17.2 million cigarettes valued at $13.7 million.
- 105,100 vapes valued at $4.5 million vapes.
- 6 tonnes of loose tobacco valued at $3.1 million.
- 2.3 million cigarette tubes valued at $1.4 million.
- 834 nicotine pouches valued at $25,000.
More than 500 inspections have been conducted around the state with 20% of these taking place in regional South Australia representing $4 million of the illicit products seized.
South Australian Minister for Small and Family Business, Consumer and Business Affairs, and Arts Andrea Michaels has also issued 33 short-term closure orders and successfully had two long term closure orders approved by the Magistrates Court for illicit tobacco stores in Salisbury North and Hackham West.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in our fight against illegal tobacco and vapes,” says Ms Michaels.
“We are out raiding illegal tobacco stores, seizing their products and shutting these stores down.
“The government has now seized more than $23 million worth of illicit tobacco and vapes. That is millions of cigarettes and vapes that are not out in our community destroying the health of South Australians with the profits going to organised crime.
“We are committed to ending the illicit tobacco trade in SA and putting these criminals out of business.”
