Northern Territory Police have charged a 42-year-old man following an investigation into the alleged secondary supply of alcohol in the East Arnhem region.

Police will allege that throughout June 2026, the man used his position as a taxi driver to facilitate the purchase and supply of alcohol to other people, including transporting alcohol from licensed premises in Nhulunbuy and Yirrkala.

The investigation identified multiple occasions where the man allegedly received cash from individuals before attending licensed premises and purchasing alcohol on their behalf.

Police will allege that on 18 June, the man purchased a one-litre bottle of rum from a Nhulunbuy bottle shop before travelling to Yirrkala. CCTV allegedly captured a woman approaching the taxi and handing the driver cash before taking the bottle of alcohol from the vehicle.

On 19 June, the man allegedly purchased another one-litre bottle of rum before transporting two women from Nhulunbuy. One of the women was later observed allegedly taking possession of the bottle from the taxi.

On 23 June, the man allegedly purchased a one-litre bottle of whiskey after transporting passengers into the Nhulunbuy CBD. Shortly after returning to his taxi with the alcohol, the man allegedly deliberately covered the vehicle’s CCTV camera before transporting passengers to Yirrkala.

Police will further allege that on 24 and 26 June, the man received cash from women before attending licensed premises and purchasing quantities of alcohol.

On 27 June, the man allegedly received cash from a passenger at the Nhulunbuy Town Flats before attending a licensed premises and purchasing two six-packs of beer and a one-litre bottle whiskey. He allegedly returned to the Town Flats shortly afterwards, where the alcohol was handed over.

Police later located the recipient and seized the alcohol, which was subsequently destroyed.

The investigation identified an alleged repeated pattern of individuals providing the man with money, followed by him purchasing alcohol from licensed premises and supplying or transporting it to them.

The man has since been charged in relation to the alleged unlawful supply of alcohol, along with several traffic and taxi-related offences identified during the investigation.

He was served a Notice to Appear in court on 11 November 2026.

Senior Sergeant Danny Bell said the alleged offending was a significant matter for police in the area due to ongoing issues with the secondary supply of alcohol.

“Secondary supply continues to cause significant challenges across our communities. Those who purchase and transport alcohol on behalf of others are enabling the flow of alcohol into areas where restrictions are in place and contributing to the harm that can follow.

“Police across the area continue to actively target secondary supply and we will take action against anyone who believes they can profit from the unlawful movement of alcohol.”