G7 leaders at the Évian-les-Bains summit engaged in lighthearted sideline conversations, discussing sports, quitting smoking, and Greenland, captured by hot microphones. Topics ranged from Donald Trump's "I'm the boss" comment to Giorgia Meloni's success in quitting smoking and discussions about soccer.
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.
Hot mic moments at the G7 summit revealed leaders discussing lighter topics like sports, cigarettes, and the weather, alongside serious global issues. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni's decision to quit smoking received congratulations, while Canadian PM Mark Carney inquired about nicotine patches.
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.
Hot mic moments at the G7 summit captured leaders discussing lighter topics like sports, smoking habits, and even Greenland. Conversations included Italian PM Meloni quitting smoking, soccer talk related to the World Cup, and a cryptic remark from U.S. President Trump about Greenland.
A "health cigarette" called "Li Shizhen 1518 Ai Ai Xiang Jiu" is popular online, claiming to be nicotine-free and containing Chinese herbs for health benefits. However, investigations reveal that the advertised manufacturer is untraceable, and medical experts warn that inhaling burning herbs produces toxic substances harmful to the lungs and cardiovascular system, debunking all advertised health claims. Regulatory bodies are investigating but have yet to locate the actual producer.
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.
A student at the Galileo Galilei high school in Mirandola (Modena) threatened a teacher with a pellet gun, demanding cigarettes. The incident, which occurred during class on May 21st, involved the student pointing the realistic-looking replica weapon at the teacher's temple while demanding "Give them to me or I'll shoot." The school is investigating disciplinary measures.
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.
An Australian woman is pleading for her father's deportation to Nauru to be halted. Meanwhile, Donald Trump confirmed a testy call with Israel's PM, Iran attacked Kuwait airport, and Australia faces trade tariffs.
An Australian woman pleads for her father's deportation to Nauru to be halted. Overseas, Donald Trump confirms a call with Israel's PM, while Iran attacks Kuwait airport. Australia faces trade tariffs, and NDIS reforms face criticism.
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.
An estimated 80% of cigarettes and vapes consumed in Australia last year were illegal, according to the Bureau of Statistics. Nicotine consumption rose 40% while legal spending fell, with high excise taxes blamed for fueling a black market that costs the government billions.
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.
Taiwanese lawmakers are calling for stricter regulations on new synthetic drugs like etonitazene being distributed through e-cigarettes, citing risks of "zombie smoke bombs," drug-driving, and campus infiltration. They urge the central government to amend the "Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act" and for the Taoyuan city government to enact a local ordinance to combat these emerging drug threats.
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.
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.
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.
A new review suggests nicotine e-cigarettes may increase cancer risk by damaging DNA and causing chronic inflammation. While less harmful than traditional cigarettes, they are not risk-free, and long-term effects are still unknown. Experts recommend FDA-approved cessation methods over vaping.
Vaping among German youth is on the rise, with nearly 7% of 12-17-year-olds regularly using e-cigarettes, sparking concerns among health experts who link vaping to increased nicotine dependence and potential harm.
Viral videos of young Malaysian men appearing dazed after vaping, dubbed 'zombie vape', have intensified concerns about drug-laced liquids in the country's e-cigarette market. Police have made arrests and warned of the dangers.
Les douanes françaises ont saisi 548 tonnes de tabac de contrebande en 2025, une hausse de 12% en un an, atteignant des niveaux quasi historiques. La criminalité organisée, notamment la mafia russophone, est active sur ce marché lucratif, comme en témoigne une saisie record de 26 tonnes à Fos-sur-Mer.
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.
