Volume of illegal tobacco shrinks after years of rapid growth
The government says new data demonstrates that its crackdown on illegal cigarettes and other nicotine products is working, with a record 730 tonnes seized in one quarter.
The volume of illegal tobacco in Australia has reportedly shrunk after years of rapid growth, according to new figures from the Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner (ITAC). Authorities seized 730 tonnes of illegal tobacco between July and September, bringing the total volume to an estimated 5,893 tonnes, down from a peak of 5,972 tonnes last year.
The government attributes the decline to stronger enforcement, larger seizures, and better coordination between federal, state, and territory agencies. The National Disruption Group, comprising 31 agencies, has conducted over 600 operations since October, resulting in the seizure of 24 million illicit cigarettes and 3.6 tonnes of loose-leaf tobacco, worth more than $45 million in evaded duty.
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