Key Points
- New laws expected in early 2026 to combat illegal tobacco trade.
- Inspectors will gain powers to fine and close retailers immediately.
- 531,000 cigarettes, 809kg loose tobacco, and 8,000 vapes seized in recent raids.
- Illegal trade described as a key revenue source for organized crime.
- Tasmania Police and Health Department to share intelligence under new MOU.
2Firsts, Nov. 11, 2025 — According to Pulse Tasmania, the Australia's Tasmanian government will introduce new laws in 2026 aimed at shutting down illegal tobacco and vape retailers, as part of efforts to disrupt a trade authorities say is now fueling organized crime.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the legislation will significantly increase penalties for trafficking illegal tobacco products and empower inspectors to issue on-the-spot fines and shut down offending businesses for extended periods.
“We’re seeing organized crime utilizing the cash from these illegal operations to cause real harm to communities across the country,” Ellis said.
Between July and October 2025, joint operations in Tasmania uncovered over 531,000 cigarettes, 809 kilograms of loose tobacco, and nearly 8,000 vapes. Four major enforcement operations have been conducted in recent months targeting supply and distribution networks.
Ellis described the illegal tobacco trade as “an enormous public policy disaster” and emphasized Tasmania’s vulnerability — the state has the second-highest smoking rate in Australia, after the Northern Territory.
A new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Tasmania Police and the Department of Health will formalize intelligence sharing and strengthen joint enforcement.
Nick Bunker, Director of Environment and Health, said the easy availability of cheap illicit products undermines public health programs and keeps smokers addicted.
“It’s concerning that the increased availability and lower price of illicit products lead people who might otherwise quit to keep smoking,” Bunker said.
He added that unregulated products pose direct health risks, exposing users to toxins and encouraging youth addiction.
In Tasmania, vapes can only be legally obtained through pharmacies with a prescription, and selling any type of vape to minors is strictly prohibited.
Image source: Pulse Tasmania
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