In a significant development for South Australia’s fight against illegal tobacco and vapes, Thingy Gifts Raid Closure South Australia in Salisbury North has become the first retail store to receive a long-term closure order under the state’s strengthened enforcement measures. This landmark case highlights the Malinauskas Government’s intensified efforts to combat the illicit tobacco trade, which has been linked to organized crime across the region. The six-month closure, ordered by the Elizabeth Magistrates Court following an application by Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs Andrea Michaels, represents a turning point in South Australia’s regulatory approach to businesses that repeatedly violate tobacco and vaping laws.
The Thingy Gifts Raid Closure South Australia Raid: What Happened?
Thingy Gifts Raid Closure South Australia in Salisbury North revealed a staggering amount of illegal products being sold at the location. Consumer and Business Services (CBS) inspectors seized more than 40,000 cigarettes, one thousand vapes, and nearly four kilograms of loose tobacco in a single raid. Despite previous enforcement actions and shorter closure orders, the business had continued to operate as normal, demonstrating a clear disregard for the law and prompting authorities to pursue more severe measures.
The Elizabeth Magistrates Court hearing on March 7, 2025, concluded with an immediate six-month closure order for the store. This unprecedented action marks the first implementation of long-term closure powers granted to the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, who can now shut down premises suspected of selling illicit tobacco products or vapes.
South Australia’s Comprehensive Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco
Thingy Gifts Raid Closure South Australia is just one component of a much broader initiative by the South Australian government to combat illegal tobacco and vape sales across the state. Since July 1, 2024, enforcement officials have conducted more than 200 inspections and received 450 tip-offs, resulting in the seizure of over 3,500 vapes. The total value of illicit products seized, including both vapes and illegal tobacco, amounts to approximately $680,000 in South Australia alone.
This aggressive enforcement strategy is backed by substantial resources, with the Malinauskas Government investing $16 million in a dedicated taskforce within Consumer and Business Services specifically designed to detect and disrupt the supply of unlawful vapes and tobacco products. The investment has already yielded impressive results, with CBS seizing more than $1 million worth of illicit tobacco and vapes since July 1, including more than 500,000 cigarettes and 12,492 vapes.
New Legislative Powers and Penalties
The South Australian government has introduced new legislative powers to strengthen its fight against illegal tobacco and vape sales. These powers allow the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs to issue closure orders for premises suspected of selling illicit products. The initial order can apply for 72 hours and can be extended to up to six months with the approval of a Magistrate, as demonstrated in the Thingy Gifts case.
Businesses that violate these closure orders face severe financial consequences, with penalties of up to $1.1 million for businesses and up to $700,000 for individuals. The government has also introduced even higher penalties to Parliament, proposing fines of up to $1.5 million for those caught selling illicit tobacco or vapes.
These legislative changes address a significant challenge faced by enforcement agencies: the tendency of some illicit stores to resume operations almost immediately after being raided. The new powers ensure that repeat offenders can be shut down and prevented from trading for extended periods.
The Broader Impact on Public Health and Safety
The crackdown on illicit tobacco and vape sales in South Australia is part of a nationwide effort to address the serious public health concerns associated with these products. The Albanese Government’s vaping laws, which came into effect on July 1, 2024, have been reinforced by strong action at both the federal and state levels.
Across Australia, more than 5.2 million illicit vapes and vaping products have been seized at the border so far this year, with more than 2 million seized since the commencement of the new vaping laws. This collaborative approach between Commonwealth and state authorities demonstrates a unified commitment to keeping these harmful products out of the hands of young Australians.
The Connection to Organized Crime
One of the most concerning aspects of the illicit tobacco and vape market is its connection to organized crime. It is estimated that organized crime groups control 75 percent of the illicit tobacco market in Australia. This criminal involvement adds an additional layer of urgency to the government’s enforcement efforts, as the sale of these products not only poses health risks but also funds criminal enterprises.
Minister Andrea Michaels has been explicit about the government’s stance on this issue, stating, “We will not tolerate the threat posed to our community by the criminals involved in selling illicit tobacco and vapes”. The government’s approach combines immediate enforcement actions, such as raids and seizures, with longer-term strategies aimed at disrupting the supply chains controlled by criminal organizations.
Additional Enforcement Actions
The Thingy Gifts closure is not an isolated incident. On the same day that the long-term closure order was issued for Thingy Gifts Raid Closure South Australia, Minister Michaels also signed off on two short-term closure orders for illicit tobacco stores in Semaphore6. These actions demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing this issue across the entire state, not just in isolated areas.
Consumer and Business Services Commissioner Brett Humphrey has emphasized that the agency is “leaving no stone unturned” in its fight against illegal tobacco and vapes. Investigations into numerous illicit dealers are ongoing, and CBS is working with authorities at both local and national levels to disrupt and combat the flow of illegal products across South Australia.
How to Report Illegal Tobacco or Vape Dealers
The South Australian government encourages public participation in its efforts to combat illicit tobacco and vape sales. Citizens can report illegal tobacco or vape dealers to Consumer and Business Services through their website at www.cbs.sa.gov.au/tobacco. These reports play a crucial role in the government’s enforcement strategy, as evidenced by the 450 tip-offs that have already contributed to successful enforcement actions.
Conclusion
The six-month closure of Thingy Gifts Raid Closure South Australia in Salisbury North represents a significant milestone in South Australia’s fight against illicit tobacco and vape sales. This unprecedented enforcement action, combined with new legislative powers, substantial financial investments, and increased penalties, demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing this issue comprehensively.
As the Malinauskas Government continues its “relentless” fight against the illicit tobacco trade, we can expect to see more long-term closure orders and other enforcement actions targeting businesses that violate tobacco and vaping laws. These efforts aim not only to protect public health but also to disrupt the criminal organizations that profit from these illegal activities.
FAQs
Q: What was seized during the raid on Thingy Gifts Raid Closure South Australia?
Ans: During a single raid on Thingy Gifts Raid Closure South Australia in Salisbury North, Consumer and Business Services inspectors seized more than 40,000 cigarettes, one thousand vapes, and nearly four kilograms of loose tobacco.
Q: How long will Thingy Gifts remain closed?
Ans: The Elizabeth Magistrates Court ordered Thingy Gifts Raid Closure South Australia to close for six months following an application by the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs.
Q: What penalties do businesses face for violating closure orders?
Ans: Businesses that violate closure orders can face penalties of up to $1.1 million, while individuals can be fined up to $700,000. The South Australian government has also introduced legislation proposing even higher penalties of up to $1.5 million.
Q: How much has the South Australian government invested in combating illicit tobacco and vapes?
Ans: The Malinauskas Government has invested $16 million in a dedicated taskforce within Consumer and Business Services to detect and disrupt the supply of unlawful vapes and tobacco products.
Q: How can I report illegal tobacco or vape dealers in South Australia?
Ans: You can report illegal tobacco or vape dealers to Consumer and Business Services through their website at www.cbs.sa.gov.au/tobacco.
Read More: Zlome Com | Understanding Movie Rulez2 com 2025 Telugu | Piracy Warning Luxury Cruise Passengers
