Intro to this news story – by ABC News reporter – Alan Kohler 

Illegal tobacco is a deadly $10 billion industry wiping out legitimate businesses

 Australia’s illegal tobacco problem has made the proverbial transition from tragedy to farce.

Illicit, excise-evading cigarettes now comprise half of the cancer-inducing products sold to Australia’s 2.7 million smokers.

A study published by FTI Consulting put it at 39.4 per cent in 2024, up from 14 per cent six years ago, but an update for the month of June puts the figure at 50 per cent.

And, according to studies of wastewater, nicotine consumption in Australia, including vaping, is at an all-time high.

We can now conclude that the strategy of taxing and banning nicotine addiction out of existence is a complete failure.

The result is that organised crime is making about $10 billion a year in revenue.

*click to read the entire article :

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-04/illegal-tobacco-is-a-deadly-10-billion-industry/105607186