South Australia’s illicit tobacco taskforce has been out in force across the Riverland this week hitting six stores with closure orders for selling illegal cigarettes and vapes.

More than 1000 packets of illegal cigarettes and 500 vapes were seized along with 15kg of loose tobacco were seized in total from the six stores valued at approximately $70,000.

As a result, the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs has issued 28-day closure orders for Smoke Accessories and Gifts in Berri, Gifts and Accessories in Berri and Smart Smoke in Barmera.

The Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs has also issued 72-hour interim closure orders for Shell Get and Go in Glossop, Waikerie Tobacconist in Waikerie and Riverland Mini Supermarket in Renmark.

Several stores also received on the spot fines.

The state government has been relentless in its fight against the illicit tobacco and vape trade with our tough new laws recognised as the best in the country by the Australian Council on Smoking and Health.

South Australia now has the toughest penalties in the nation for those caught selling illicit tobacco and vapes with fines of up to $6.6 million.

Since June 5, the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs has had the power to shut illegal tobacco stores for up to 28-days with closure orders of up to 12-months able to be sought through a Magistrate.