Australia loses $6.9 billion from illegal tobacco sales, leading to a $157 million crackdown.

Australia faces a $6.9 billion shortfall in tobacco excise revenue due to a surge in illicit tobacco sales. About one in five smokers now use illegal cigarettes or vapes, prompting a $157 million investment over two years to strengthen enforcement and target crime gangs involved in the black market. This includes new equipment to detect smuggled tobacco and efforts to reduce smoking rates among illicit users.