A multi-agency operation in South Australia is targeting illicit tobacco operators across the state with coordinated action through the Illicit Tobacco National Disruption Group.
Last month, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) with support of the South Australian Police (SAPol), Australian Federal Police (AFP) and South Australian Consumer Business Services (CBS) executed search warrants at two retail stores in Torrensville and Para Hills, SA. The warrants occurred from information uncovered during
National Disruption Group Operation Tempest Week of Action in February 2026.
The recent activity resulted in the seizure of:
- Over 118,600 cigarettes, 22 nicotine pouches and more than 13kg worth of loose-leaf tobacco
- Point of sale machine, cigarette tubes filled with loose-leaf tobacco
- Electronic evidence including CCTV footage and Point of Sale data
A vehicle connected to one of the stores was also identified and found to contain illicit tobacco, which was subsequently seized. The combined seizures resulted in a total of approximately $215,400 in evaded duty.
One of the stores visited was issued a temporary closure order for 28 days with both stores linked to ongoing ATO Operation Beach, which resulted in the seizure of an illicit tobacco crop worth an estimated $35m in excise foregone.
This operational activity is part of a range of disruption effects across the country coordinated by the Illicit Tobacco National Disruption Group which is led by the Australian Border Force.
Further disruption activities may include enforcement and compliance actions, business closures, and financial assessments continue to further disrupt the illicit tobacco market.
Quotes
ATO Assistant Commissioner Pennie Snowden
"Illicit tobacco undermines honest businesses. The ATO is targeting illicit tobacco at every point in the supply chain to protect legitimate businesses and uphold a level playing field."
South Australian Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Brett Humphrey
"Disrupting the sale and supply of illicit tobacco is a vital tool in our arsenal in combatting this significant public health risk.
Every item seized, every business closed makes it harder for these criminals to profit from the sale of these dangerous products."
ABF Illicit Tobacco and Vape Enforcement Commander Greg Dowse
"This result is an example of the illicit tobacco National Disruption Group's approach in targeting every stage of the illicit tobacco supply chain".
"The operations don't stop at seizures - they result in business closures, financial assessments, visa cancellations and a range of other measures to disrupt and dismantle the illicit tobacco pipeline run by criminals and enablers"
SAPol - Serious Crime Coordination Acting Detective Superintendent Shane Addison
"SAPOL is actively engaged with our Commonwealth and State law enforcement and regulatory partners to disrupt, disable and dismantle serious and organised crime syndicates who participate in and profit from the illicit tobacco trade.
"We will continue to focus our enforcement efforts which includes the identification, seizure and restraint of money and assets obtained through on their unlawful activities."
