A 32-year-old man has received fines following a raid on a small business in Nightcliff last Friday.
Northern Territory Police announced that officers confiscated over 1,000 cigarettes and around four kilograms of loose tobacco, which they allege were illegal.
The operation took place on the morning of 1st October, when detectives from the Drug and Organised Crime Division conducted a search at a convenience store on Progress Drive, Nightcliff. This search followed intelligence suggesting the store was involved in the sale of illegal tobacco.
During the raid, officers seized 4.3kg of loose tobacco, 1,140 cigarettes, and $1,225 in cash, which they believe to be profits from unlawful tobacco sales.
The 32-year-old man was fined in connection with the seizure.
Constable Jimmy Parimeros highlighted the broader implications of illegal tobacco sales, stating, “Buying these products supports organised crime groups, not only here but across Australia and overseas.”
This raid was part of Operation Hook, an initiative aimed at disrupting the supply of illegal tobacco and vape products by organised crime groups operating in the Northern Territory.
The recent seizure brings the total estimated value of illicit goods confiscated through Operation Hook to $17.88 million.
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