Australian state cracks down on illegal tobacco shops as nicotine use surges

Victoria is moving to crack down on illicit tobacco — new laws would let police and regulators close businesses selling illegal tobacco and impose fines over A$2.4 million and up to 20 years’ jail.
ABS data shows nicotine use jumped 40% from 2017–2025, driven by illegal tobacco and e‑cigarettes, with an estimated 80% of nicotine products coming from the black market.
High federal tobacco taxes have pushed legal packs above A$60, while illegal tobacco prices stayed flat — a key factor blamed for fueling the black‑market trade.