Squiz Shortcuts: The fight against illegal tobacco

This Squiz Shortcuts episode investigates the growing crisis of illegal tobacco and nicotine products in Australia, revealing that organised crime is on track to dominate the market by 2030. With legal cigarettes now costing over $50 per pack—more than half of which is tax—smokers are increasingly turning to cheaper, smuggled alternatives sold under the counter. These products, often counterfeit or foreign brands, are imported illegally and evade billions in tax revenue. The black market is now estimated at $10 billion annually, with major retailers reporting up to 80% drops in cigarette sales. While health authorities credit rising taxes for reducing smoking rates, national sewage data suggests nicotine use remains high, particularly among youth via vapes. Despite efforts to restrict vape sales to pharmacies, most are still obtained illegally. States like Victoria have responded with strict licensing and heavy penalties, but federal action remains stalled. The episode also features a sponsor segment on eGuarantee, a digital lease bond platform designed to free up $10 billion tied in traditional bank guarantees for commercial leases.