According to miragenews on October 14, the Labor government led by Peter Malinauskas in South Australia is determined to crack down on the illegal tobacco market. In the past two weeks, nearly $1 million worth of illegal tobacco products have been seized. It is reported that since July of this year, the South Australian government has confiscated nearly 15,000 illegal e-cigarettes.
South Australia Police (SAPOL) is working closely with the Department of Consumer and Business Services to prevent criminal activities and violent incidents related to the illegal sale of tobacco products. The Department of Consumer and Business Services seized around $630,000 worth of illegal products in the past two weeks, while SAPOL seized approximately $300,000 worth of illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes in their investigations, which have been handed over to the Department of Consumer and Business Services for further action.
It is reported that since July 1st, nearly $2 million worth of illegal products have been seized. These products include 1.2 million cigarettes, almost a ton of tobacco, over 300 kilograms of shisha, and nearly 15,000 e-cigarettes. In the "Operation Eclipse," SAPOL has collaborated with consumer and business services departments to share intelligence and support enforcement efforts, as well as partnering with Victoria Police and other law enforcement agencies.
The South Australian government has been leading the fight against e-cigarettes and illegal tobacco and related criminal activities for several months. They have recently set up a dedicated task force with a budget of $16 million to tackle these issues within the consumer and commercial service sectors, which began operating on July 1. Subsequently, the government has proposed significant increases in penalties for the sale and use of e-cigarettes and tobacco products, with fines of up to $150,000.
Furthermore, the government of South Australia has stated that legislation is being enacted to empower the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs with new powers to close businesses suspected of selling illegal tobacco products or e-cigarettes. The initial closure order is valid for 72 hours, with court-approved closure orders lasting up to six months. Any businesses found in violation of such orders may face fines of up to $1.1 million, with individuals facing fines of up to $700,000.
South Australian MP Andrea Michaels stated, "We will not tolerate the threat posed by these criminal elements operating illegal tobacco shops in our communities. The potential health risks they pose to the public are concerning, and the escalation of arson and violence in recent weeks is alarming. The government will continue to raid these businesses, remove these illicit products from the streets, and do everything in its power to shut down their operations for good.
Member of Parliament Dan Cregan has pointed out that the South Australia Police, in cooperation with the Department of Consumer and Business Services, are working to detect and disrupt criminal networks involved in illegal tobacco trading. Serious criminal activities such as arson, assaults, and money laundering pose threats to public safety, and SAPOL continues to crack down on individuals exploiting others for personal gain. The intelligence shared by law enforcement and support for high-risk raids are crucial components in combating this illegal market.
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