Joint Efforts to Combat Illegal Tobacco Trade in Asia-Pacific Region

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.