Key points:
- Since its launch in June, Operation Shutdown in South Australia has shut down 71 illegal tobacco sales outlets.
- The operation has seized illegal tobacco and e-cigarette products worth over 4.2 million Australian dollars (approximately 2.77 million US dollars).
- The South Australian government has increased penalties for merchants, with fines reaching up to 6.6 million Australian dollars (approximately 4.36 million US dollars), and has strengthened cooperation with the police and border forces.
2Firsts, September 30, 2025 - According to Mirage News, the "Operation Shutdown" in South Australia has achieved success in cracking down on illegal tobacco and e-cigarette sales. Since Minister's new shutdown order came into effect on June 5 and the operation was launched, a total of 71 illicit sales outlets have been closed down.
During this period, products seized had a total value exceeding 4.2 million Australian dollars (approximately 2.77 million US dollars), including 3,376,290 cigarettes, 10,667 e-cigarettes, and 1.1 tons of loose tobacco.
The Marinoskas government is steadfast in its efforts to combat illegal tobacco trade, utilizing a "shutdown operation" to disrupt criminal activities and shut down as many stores as possible to dismantle their business model. The shutdown orders have now been extended to stores in Adelaide and remote areas of South Australia. Additionally, South Australia has implemented the harshest penalties in the country for businesses selling large quantities of illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes, with fines of up to $6.6 million AUD (approximately $4.36 million USD).
In order to strengthen measures, the minister also informed landlords of closed shops that renting out property to tenants selling illegal tobacco constitutes a violation of the law. The task force operates within the Consumer and Business Services (CBS) framework, working closely with South Australia Police (SAPOL) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) to share intelligence nationwide and combat illegal trade.
The illegal tobacco trade is not only limited to Australia, but is a global issue. Since January 2024, the Australian government has invested over $345 million Australian dollars (approximately $200 million USD) in collaboration with states and territories to combat this transnational criminal enterprise. In the previous fiscal year, the quantity of illegal cigarettes seized at the border increased by 320% compared to four years ago. The Australian Border Force continues to increase its seizure volume in the current fiscal year.
South Australia's response to illegal tobacco trading has been hailed as the best in the nation, receiving an A+ rating in the national report card recently released by Australia's Smoking and Health Committee. According to data, the "Operation Close" has shut down 71 stores in South Australia since June 5th, seizing products worth $4.2 million, disrupting the business models of associated criminal organizations.
Andrea Michaels said that illegal tobacco is extremely dangerous in communities and the government will not allow these criminals to operate in South Australia. Any establishments selling illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes in South Australia will be shut down.
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