Arrests following baby formula theft

Just before 4.30pm on Thursday 6 February, police were called to an Edwardstown shopping centre on South Road for an unrelated matter when they were alerted to a man attempting to steal infant formula from a store inside the centre.  Staff confronted the man, and he ran from the store.

Police were quickly on scene and a short foot chase ensued.  Patrols saw the man drop a package as they gave chase.  Checks revealed the package contained methamphetamine and heroin.

The man, a 44-year-old from Victoria, was swiftly arrested.  He was charged with two counts of trafficking a controlled substance and theft.

Patrols searched a Heathpool address linked to the man where they located more than 240 tins of infant formula and multivitamins suspected of being stolen.

Whilst at the address a Mercedes van arrived with two occupants inside.  Police searched the car and found more than 130 tins of infant formula suspected of being stolen.

The two occupants of the car, a 37-year-old man and a 49-year-old man both from Victoria, were arrested and charged with unlawful possession.  The 44-year-old man was further charged with unlawful possession.

The three men did not apply for bail and will appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court today (Friday 7 February.

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