Police uncover huge stash of illegal tobacco

Police have uncovered a mega stash of illegal tobacco at a shop in Adelaide as detectives hone in on the black market's supply. 

The seizure, valued at more than $450,000, was concealed within a shed on the Welland premises – one of five supply houses uncovered by Operation Eclipse with links to South Australia's illegal tobacco wars 

Investigations suggest that this stash served as a supply hub for other illicit retail outlets across the Western suburbs.

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"We are fully aware we need to maintain the pressure because we don't want to see those offences that were occurring so that we can ensure the safety of the community," Brett Featherby from SA Police said.

The bust was part of a blitz on Wednesday.

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A total of $1 million worth of illicit tobacco was seized, along with $8000 cash during raids on 15 businesses across Adelaide including tobacconists, candy and gift shops, and small supermarkets. 

A 41-year-old Gawler man was also arrested for arson.

Police say a total of 22 people have now been arrested with links to the black market, while $7.8 million worth of tobacco has been seized.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.