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"Window of opportunity": Calls to counter growing illicit tobacco market

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 14 Apr 2026, 11:11am
Photo / File
Photo / File

"Window of opportunity": Calls to counter growing illicit tobacco market

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 14 Apr 2026, 11:11am

Retail NZ is warning time's running out to counter a tobacco black market crisis. 

The group's released a new report detailing the rise in illicit tobacco, including reports from retailers of sales happening near their premises.  

The group wants an Illicit Tobacco Taskforce setup to bring Customs, Police and Health officials together to fight the growing problem.  

CEO Carolyn Young told Ryan Bridge that when organised crime infiltrates the legitimate market it changes the landscape, and brings with it more crime. 

She says we need to act now while we still have this window of opportunity. 

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