According to Mirage News on September 3rd, customs officials from 20 Asia-Pacific countries will be attending an event in Singapore over the next two days led by the Australian Border Force (ABF) to warn against transnational criminal groups engaged in illegal tobacco trafficking.
ABF Commander Ken McKern stated that illegal tobacco trade is an issue that transcends borders and requires a collaborative response.
The global illicit tobacco trade has shifted billions of dollars in tax revenue that governments could have used for healthcare, education, and other essential community services, instead funding transnational crime, corruption, and terrorism. This trade operates both domestically and internationally, requiring cooperation at all levels to combat.
The Asia-Pacific Illicit Tobacco Initiative in 2024 will build on previous successful efforts to reignite regional actions against illicit tobacco. This initiative will also involve obtaining more information and intelligence from global customs partners, allowing the ABF and Australian cooperating agencies to continue to combat and prosecute criminals involved in importing and supplying illicit tobacco.
Erin Dale, the Acting Commissioner of the Australian Illegal Tobacco and E-cigarette (ITEC) Commission, stated that her primary task is to address the issue of illegal tobacco at its source and prevent and deter these products from entering Australia.
International cooperation is crucial for Australia's efforts to combat illicit tobacco, ensuring that our policies are understood globally. I commend the Australian Border Force for their efforts in spearheading this groundbreaking initiative.
The ITEC Commissioner is a new position established by the Australian government to address the complex challenges posed by illegal tobacco and e-cigarette products.
Representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong-China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, China, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vanuatu, and Vietnam will attend the event.
This event will be held in Singapore from September 3rd to 4th, 2024.
Notice
1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.
2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.
Copyright
This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.
This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.
