Nightcliff Gifts and Tobacco raided by NT Police for alleged illegal tobacco, cannabis and cash found

Northern Territory Police have struck a decisive blow in their battle against illegal tobacco with a second raid in three weeks, forcing the closure of another suburban outlet. FIND OUT MORE.

Northern Territory Police say they have struck a decisive blow in their battle against illegal tobacco with a second raid in three weeks, forcing the closure of another suburban outlet.

On Thursday NT Police raided the Nightcliff Gifts and Tobacco Accessories outlet on Progress Drive, Nightcliff, seizing a number of items and forcing the premises to close its doors.

Police said they seized a less than trafficable quantity of cannabis, 9180 illicit tobacco cigarettes, 2.7kg of illicit tobacco leaf product and $1640 in cash.

Two infringement notices were issued to two adult men, NT Police said in a statement.

The premises was closed on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, with no indication when it was expected to re-open.

This week’s raid comes after another targeted search-and-seize operation at R1 Tobacconist in Millner late last month.

Shisha Nightcliff Gifts and Tabacco Accessories at Nightcliff. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

On September 26, in a multi-agency operation between NT police and Australian Border Force, about 31,000 illicit cigarettes and a quantity of cash were seized from the heavily fortified outlet.

The outlet opened intermittently after the raid, was closed on Monday but open again on Tuesday.

The premises was locked on Thursday with a sign on the door advising customers they were out of stock.

Meanwhile, the owner of a different shop that was leased to an illegal tobacco retailer said the process of removing dodgy tenants was complicated and left landlords exposed to the reputational damage caused the police raids.

The business owner, who asked not to be identified, said the stores were popular with customers because of the prospect of cheap tobacco – but the owners did not want to appear to be condoning criminal activity.

“The NT legal system is such a lengthy process and always in favour of the tenant, even in an instance when illegal activity is involved,” the business owner said.

“Between the NT Police, Australian Federal Police and licensing, they are still not able to enforce a closure.

“We tried to get support from all local government members also, but it always came to a standstill legally. The business also attracted more vandalism and theft, which is part of the larger social issue in the NT.”

Originally published as Nightcliff Gifts and Tobacco raided by NT Police for alleged illegal tobacco, cannabis and cash found