A South Australian father and son have been sentenced yesterday (26 June 2025) for importing opium and tobacco.
In January 2024, ABF Investigators acted on gathered intelligence and conducted a search warrant at an Indian grocery and takeaway store in Plympton.
Officers located opium and illicit tobacco products hidden throughout the shop, and reviewed the store's CCTV which showed the son selling the illicit products to customers. Officers seized:
2.2kg opium (paste and pellets)
29kg illicit tobacco
2080 illicit cigarettes
Officers also searched the individuals' residence in Trott Park, where they located and seized an additional 432g opium.
After further investigations, in late January 2024, officers identified a storage locker in Reynella, rented by the father, where they located and seized:
3.5kg opium (paste and pellets)
20kg illicit tobacco
ABF Acting Superintendent Steve Garden said the skills of specially trained ABF investigators are crucial to identifying and disrupting illegal activity.
"As Australia's border security agency, we use all available intelligence to end the impact of border crimes in our community, no matter the amount of illicit goods or complexity of the criminal activity," Acting Superintendent Garden said.
"Today's outcome is the result of a sustained, intelligence-led investigation that followed the illicit supply chain from importation to street-level distribution."
"Every seizure is a step towards safer streets and stronger communities."
Use of opium carries a high risk of addiction and overdose. The Therapeutic Goods Administration and SA Health have also previously advised on the dangers of using the particular product imported in this case, including mercury and lead poisoning.
The son was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, to be released immediately on a Commonwealth Recognisance Release Order, in the sum of $500 and to be of good behaviour for one years, for possessing a border controlled drug (opium) reasonably suspected of having been unlawfully imported, contrary to section 307.10(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). Additionally he was fined $6000, for possession of tobacco reasonably suspected customs duty has not been paid; contrary to s 308-20(1) of the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (Cth), and ordered to forfeit $23,450 under s48 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Cth).
The father was sentenced to 3 months imprisonment, to be released immediately on a Commonwealth Recognisance Release Order, in the sum of $500 and to be of good behaviour for one years, for possessing a border controlled drug (opium) reasonably suspected of having been unlawfully imported, contrary to section 307.10(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). Additionally he was fined $3000, for possession of tobacco reasonably suspected customs duty has not been paid; contrary to s 308-20(1) of the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (Cth).
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report to Border Watch online. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.
