The Australian Border Force (ABF), with support from the Northern Territory Government, has seized more than 70,000 illicit cigarettes and 17kg of loose-leaf tobacco during search warrants executed on three tobacconists in Darwin last week.
Operation GOALFENCE was an intelligence‑led disruption campaign focused on stopping illicit tobacco before it reached the community.
On Wednesday 29 April 2026, ABF Investigations Northern Territory, accompanied by the Northern Territory Government Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations, executed a Customs Act 1901 warrant at a tobacconist in the suburb of Nightcliff.
Officers located and seized 27,377 illicit cigarettes and 2.775kg of illegal loose‑leaf tobacco.
On Friday 1 May 2026, ABF Investigations Northern Territory, accompanied by the Northern Territory Government Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations, executed warrants at two outlets in the Darwin Central Business District.
Officers located and seized a further 43,491 illicit cigarettes and 14.8kg of loose‑leaf tobacco.
In total, ABF officers seized more than 70,000 illicit cigarettes and 17.5 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco representing $127,598 in potential evaded duty.
Australian Border Force Commander Graeme Campbell said Operation GOALFENCE had sent a clear message to those involved in the illicit tobacco trade in the NT.
“Illicit tobacco is not a victimless crime. It undermines legitimate businesses, deprives the community of revenue that funds essential services, and is frequently linked to serious and organised crime," Commander Campbell said.
“By working closely with our Northern Territory partners, we are taking direct action against suppliers and disrupting these profit streams before they reach the streets.
“If you are involved in the illicit tobacco trade, expect a knock on your door."
Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill OAM, said the Northern Territory Government took the issue of illicit tobacco seriously and recognised the significant health, safety and economic risks it posed to the community.
“We are fast‑tracking reform of the Territory's tobacco legislation and strengthen interim compliance and enforcement arrangements. Federal funding has been secured to support both legislative reform and an increase in on‑the‑ground compliance capability," Minister Cahill said.
“This means there will be more inspections, monitoring and compliance activity across the Northern Territory, with a focus on identifying and responding to the sale of illicit tobacco products and ensuring retailers meet their statutory obligations."
ABF will continue to work with Territory, State and Commonwealth partners to identify illicit tobacco supply chains, apply enforcement measures and sustain disruption to prevent re‑establishment.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected illicit tobacco activity via Border Watch at www.abf.gov.au/borderwatch.
