Authorities in Perth have shut down nearly 50 shops for allegedly selling illegal vapes and tobacco as part of Operation Claudere. Over $11 million in illicit products were seized in two weeks, with authorities vowing to continue the crackdown.
A newly elected NSW regional councillor, Rohit Mahajan, manages a tobacco shop in Muswellbrook found to be selling illegal cigarettes. Mahajan admitted to selling them, citing business survival, but later backtracked. The ABC found multiple shops in the town selling illicit tobacco.
In Gaza, war and extreme inflation have led to the rise of 'molokhia cigarettes' as a desperate substitute for traditional tobacco. Vendors mix dried molokhia leaves with liquid nicotine, and sometimes toxic industrial substances, due to soaring prices and import restrictions. Doctors warn of severe health risks, including cancer and breathing difficulties, but economic pressure and addiction drive continued use.
France's tax revenue from alcohol and tobacco fell by 25% in the first quarter of 2026, totaling €3 billion compared to €4 billion in the same period last year. This significant drop, despite a 2% increase in other tax revenues, is attributed to a combination of factors including a calendar effect and a 6% decline in tobacco taxes and 10% in alcohol taxes.
French tax revenue from alcohol and tobacco fell by 25% in the first quarter of 2026, totaling €3 billion compared to €4 billion in Q1 2025. This significant drop, despite a 2% increase in other tax revenues, is attributed to a combination of calendar effects and declining consumption of tobacco and alcohol.
Hong Kong proposes new fire safety amendments, including a smoking ban at construction sites, following the deadly Wang Fuk Court inferno. The rules take effect July 17 after Legco approval.
A new issue of the American Journal of Public Health reveals how tobacco companies like Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds used strategies developed for selling cigarettes to market ultra-processed foods (UPFs), including Lunchables, to children. These strategies focused on optimizing formulations for rapid reward and creating addictive products. UPFs are linked to increased risks of dementia, cognitive decline, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.
New Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals a 40% rise in nicotine consumption from 2017-2025, driven by a surge in illegal tobacco to 80% of the market. This has led to a drop in household spending on cigarettes, creating a $6.9bn budget hole.
New Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals a 40% surge in nicotine consumption between 2017-2025, driven by a rise to 80% of illicit tobacco products. This has led to a drop in household spending on cigarettes, creating a $6.9bn budget hole.
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 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.
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.
Google's AI Overviews are facing criticism for presenting corporate public relations material as factual summaries, particularly for companies with controversial histories like Philip Morris International. Experts argue this misleads users by omitting negative information and promoting a favorable company image.
Google's AI Overviews are facing criticism for presenting corporate PR as factual summaries, particularly for companies with controversial histories like Philip Morris International. Experts argue these AI summaries lack crucial context and can be misleading.
Kawther Salih, a teen bride in an arranged marriage, alleges she was forced into labor in Australia's illegal tobacco trade by her husband, Sam Albion. The trade is estimated to be worth $7 billion, with incidents of arson-fueled violence reported.
Hong Kong health authorities have introduced an AI chatbot developed by a local university to assist smokers in quitting, alongside free nicotine patches and traditional Chinese medicine “ear seeds”. The initiative comes after the city missed its smoking reduction target despite having one of the lowest smoking rates among developed economies at 8.5 percent.
Former health secretary Wes Streeting has called for social media companies to be regulated like the tobacco industry, advocating for a ban on under-16s accessing certain platforms. The UK government is consulting on age limits and other measures to protect children online.
Former health secretary Wes Streeting has called for social media companies to be regulated like the tobacco industry, advocating for a ban on under-16s accessing certain platforms. The UK government is consulting on age limits and other measures to protect young people online.
The Emilia-Romagna tobacco sector is expressing strong concern over the EU's accelerated revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). They fear a uniform, penalizing approach to all tobacco products, potentially harming Italy's economy and employment.
Vietnam's Ministry of Health proposes banning tobacco sales to individuals born after January 1, 2010, as part of a draft law amendment. The proposal also includes banning new tobacco products and display of tobacco products in retail stores.
Australia's Health Minister Mark Butler stated the government is open to providing rollover relief for small businesses restructuring due to changes in trust laws, potentially avoiding state stamp duty. He also defended the new 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts.
A public health academic has voiced concerns that a tobacco giant was allowed to give private testimony at a parliamentary inquiry into black market tobacco. Professor Becky Freeman questioned the safety of allowing the company to advocate for a cut to tobacco excise, citing the health risks to consumers.
Health organizations accuse big tobacco of using fears of illicit markets to lobby for lower taxes, warning this undermines decades of progress in smoking control. They criticize a parliamentary inquiry for holding secret hearings with Philip Morris, violating WHO agreements.
