Progress Drive, Nightcliff convenience store raided by NT Police, tobacco seized

A Top End shop was raided by detectives from the Drug and Organised Crime Division, after they received intelligence relating to illegal tobacco products. LATEST.

NT Police seized more than 1000 cigarettes at a Nightcliff convenience store. Picture: iStock

A 32 year-old man has been issued infringements after a Nightcliff small business was raided on Friday.

NT Police in a statement said officers seized more than 1000 cigarettes and four kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, which they alleged to be illicit.

On the morning of October 1, a convenience store on Progress Drive in Nightcliff was searched by detectives from the Drug and Organised Crime Division, after authorities received intelligence relating to illegal tobacco products.

Detectives seized 4.3kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 1140 cigarettes and $1225 in cash which police allege were the proceeds of the illicit sale of tobacco.

The 32-year-old man was issued infringements in relation to the seizure.

Constable Jimmy Parimeros said the sale of illegal tobacco benefitted crime groups abroad.

“The purchase of illegal tobacco products directly funds organised crime groups, not just locally, but also interstate and overseas.”

The raid came under Operation Hook, which was established to disrupt the sale and supply of illicit tobacco and vapes in the Northern Territory by interstate organised crime entities.

Friday’s seizure brings the total estimated value of illicit products seized during Operation Hook to $17.88 million.

Originally published as Progress Drive, Nightcliff convenience store raided by NT Police, tobacco seized