Police raids uncover tobacco, cannabis at Tailem Bend
A man will face court and two women have been fined after two raids at Tailem Bend and one in Murray Bridge.
Police have busted a black-market tobacco operation in the Murraylands.
In two separate raids on homes in Murray Bridge and Tailem Bend on Sunday, officers allegedly found a total of 15 kilograms of loose tobacco and 155 cartons of cigarettes.
Most of the tobacco and 88 cartons of home-made cigarettes were allegedly found at the Tailem Bend address, where a 59-year-old woman was fined $1060.
The remaining three kilograms of tobacco was allegedly hidden inside a freezer at the Murray Bridge property, and 77 cartons of cigarettes were allegedly in a shed.
A 60-year-old woman from that address was fined $560.
Police have the power to search properties where they believe tobacco is being illegally stored, sold or distributed under the Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products Act.
They encouraged anyone with information about the tobacco trade to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.
Cannabis found in separate raid
Meanwhile, a Tailem Bend man will face court after another raid allegedly uncovered a haul of cannabis at his house.
Police dropped in on the man just before 11am on Tuesday after receiving a tip-off via Crime Stoppers.
They allegedly found 10 cannabis plants growing and another 3.2 kilograms of dried cannabis.
They reported the 50-year-old man for cultivation and possession.
Anyone with information about the illicit drug trade should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestopperssa.com.au.
