Key Points
- Tasmania seized about 5.5 million illegal cigarettes, 2.5 tonnes of loose tobacco and nearly 30,000 vapes in FY2025/26.
- Authorities issued about 200 infringement notices totaling approximately A$185,000 in fines.
- Official images show some vape products identifiable as IGET BAR PRO 10000 Puffs, including Cherry Pomegranate flavor.
- Tasmania has passed a new bill introducing tougher penalties and shop-closure powers.
- Officials linked the illicit tobacco trade to organized crime and other criminal activity.
2Firsts
July 15, 2026
The Tasmanian Government reported its fiscal year 2025/26 illicit tobacco enforcement results on July 14. According to the government and local media outlet Pulse Tasmania, authorities seized about 5.5 million illegal cigarettes, more than 2,500 kilograms of loose tobacco and nearly 30,000 e-cigarettes over the past year as part of a continuing crackdown on illicit tobacco and vaping products.
Annual Results Reflect Multiple Enforcement Actions
The figures represent cumulative enforcement outcomes for the 2025/26 financial year, rather than a single seizure.
A statement from the office of Tasmania’s Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Felix Ellis said tobacco control officers seized nearly 5.5 million cigarettes, more than 2,500 kilograms of loose tobacco and nearly 30,000 e-cigarettes during the financial year. The enforcement activity also resulted in about 200 infringement notices, with total fines of approximately A$185,000.
Pulse Tasmania reported that the government displayed part of the seized products at Launceston Police Station on July 14 while outlining new enforcement laws and regulatory measures.
Compared with the previous financial year, Tasmania issued 37% more infringement notices, 58% more fines, seized more than five times as many cigarettes, more than four times as much loose tobacco and nearly three times as many e-cigarettes, according to government figures.
Seized Products Include Cigarettes, Loose Tobacco and Disposable Vapes
According to official figures, seized products included:
● about 5.5 million illegal cigarettes;
● more than 2,500 kilograms of loose tobacco;
● nearly 30,000 vapes.
Official seizure images show traditional cigarettes, loose tobacco and disposable vape products.
For vaping products, the clearly visible packages show the IGET brand and BAR PRO product line, with “Disposable Pod Device” printed on the packaging. Some packages can be identified as IGET BAR PRO 10000 Puffs, with one visible flavor listed as Cherry Pomegranate. The packaging also includes warning labels such as “Strictly for 21 Years and Over” and California Proposition 65 Warning.
Officials Link Illegal Tobacco to Organized Crime
Pulse Tasmania reported that Police Minister Felix Ellis said illegal tobacco had become a major cash source for people using violence and intimidation in the community. He said organized crime controlled about 80% of Australia’s national tobacco market, with profits used to fund other criminal activity.
Detective Inspector Troy Morrisby from Tasmania Police’s Crime and Intelligence Command said illicit tobacco money could fund drugs and firearms. Pulse Tasmania reported that Tasmania has seen less tobacco-related violence than mainland states, but products sold locally can still support crime elsewhere.
Ellis also criticized Australia’s federal tobacco excise, saying high taxes had increased black-market profitability. Pulse Tasmania reported that Australia’s tobacco excise is about A$1.52 to A$1.53 per cigarette, adding more than A$30 in tax to a pack of 20 and pushing legal retail prices higher, while illegal cigarettes may sell at substantially lower prices.
New Bill Adds Powers to Close Illegal Retailers
The Tasmanian Government said parliament has passed the Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026. The bill introduces new offenses and higher penalties for the sale and supply of illegal tobacco and vaping products, as well as new powers to shut businesses selling illegal products.
Pulse Tasmania reported that the law would allow authorities to immediately close stores for up to 90 days, while the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal could order longer closures for repeat offenders. Health Minister Bridget Archer said the law was expected to receive royal assent within weeks before being used.
The Tasmanian Government also plans to consolidate tobacco, vaping and other nicotine laws into a single standalone act to strengthen enforcement while supporting smoking cessation, preventing uptake and reducing demand for nicotine products.
For the tobacco and nicotine product market, Tasmania’s annual enforcement data shows that illicit tobacco and vape sales remain under strong regulatory scrutiny in Australia. As enforcement powers expand, retail compliance, product sourcing and illegal-channel control will remain key issues in the Australian market.
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Cover Image source: pulsetasmania
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