Five arrested as South Australian police crack down on illegal tobacco trade

The police crackdown on South Australia’s illegal tobacco turf war has intensified, with five people arrested after six police raids.

During early morning raids, police swooped on a house in the Adelaide suburb of Blair Athol, collecting evidence and seizing mobile phones, clothing, CCTV equipment and tobacco products.

Two vehicles, a Range Rover Sport valued at $375,000 and a Toyota Hilux, were also seized, along with more than $114,000 in cash.

In total, officers raided six homes and businesses in Blair Athol, Walkley Heights, Dudley Park, Shadow Park and Morphett Vale.

Five of those arrested were denied bail and all face serious charges.

According to 9News, one of those arrested is 34-year-old Ahmed Al Mansoori, whom police call a key player in the illegal tobacco trade.

Al Mansouri was already in custody, having been charged last week with four counts of money laundering.

Police say they are also investigating whether the elaborate break-in was linked to crime.

As the raids continued, the ASG cigarettes and gifts store in Craigmore was targeted for the third time in less than a week.

Witnesses reported seeing two men running from the store around 6 a.m., prompting police to search the area.

Despite the efforts of the police, the suspects could not be found.