Australian Border Force (ABF) has seized hundreds of thousands of illicit cigarettes and vapes from a Darwin storage facility, representing $1.8 million in evaded duties and $3.7 million in potential proceeds of crime. This marks the ABF's third major blow to the Northern Territory's black market in two months.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) has seized over 433,000 illicit cigarettes, 686kg of tobacco, and 50,200 vapes from a Darwin storage unit, representing $1.8 million in evaded taxes and $3.7 million in potential crime proceeds. This is the ABF's third major bust in the Northern Territory in two months, highlighting ongoing concerns about organized crime and the need for stronger territorial government enforcement.
Australian Border Force (ABF) has seized over 433,000 illicit cigarettes, 686kg of tobacco, and 50,200 vapes in Darwin, Northern Territory. The haul represents $1.8 million in evaded taxes and is the ABF's third major blow to the territory's black market in two months.
Queensland's crackdown on illicit tobacco and vapes has forced retailers online, but the black market is adapting. Researchers note a "marked difference" in availability, while convenience stores report a "flow back" to illicit sales after initial shutdowns.
The federal government has given $5.9 million to the Northern Territory to "shut down sleazy, ridiculous shops selling illegal tobacco".
The federal government has given $5.9 million to the Northern Territory to "shut down sleazy, ridiculous shops selling illegal tobacco".
Smoking is one of the leading causes of death in the Northern Territory. Now, the jurisdiction has been ranked the weakest in the country for how it tackles cheap, illicit tobacco.
Smoking is one of the leading causes of death in the Northern Territory. Now, the jurisdiction has been ranked the weakest in the country for how it tackles cheap, illicit tobacco.
