Port Augusta tobacco bust leads to two arrests, nearly $2m in vapes seized
Two men have been arrested after vapes and illegal tobacco worth millions was seized by police in a traffic stop at Port Augusta last week.
Police pulled over a refrigerated truck during a drug transit route operation at Port Augusta about 4.30pm on April 25.
They allegedly uncovered more than $1.74m in vapes, $26,000 in loose tobacco leaf and $80,100 cash after speaking to the occupants of the truck.
The items were seized by police officers from Far North Local Service Area, Traffic Services Branch and Serious and Organised Crime Branch.
Two men from New South Wales, aged 32 and 62, were arrested and charged with unlawful possession and possession of tobacco products for sale.
They appeared in Port Augusta Magistrates Court on April 28, where they were remanded in custody to next appear in court in July.
The truck was seized and will be the subject of confiscations proceedings. The incident is now being investigated under Operation Eclipse, SAPOL's anti-illegal tobacco arm.
Operation Eclipse Commander, Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said the seizure highlighted the risk to syndicates trying to transport illicit tobacco around the country.
'Organised crime syndicates transporting illicit tobacco through transit routes in regional areas will be subject to a whole of SAPOL response to disrupt their criminal activity and financial operations,' Mr Featherby said.
'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,' he said.
So far, there have been 35 arrests, 184 premises searched, and more than $2.2m in cash, three firearms and $17.97m in tobacco products seized, under Operation Eclipse.
Police are urging anyone with any information on criminal activities surrounding the sale of illicit tobacco to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Originally published as Nearly $2m in vapes, illicit tobacco seized, two NSW men charged after truck pulled over at Port Augusta
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