Victoria moves to dismantle illicit tobacco trade
The Victorian government plans to introduce new legislation aimed at shutting down illegal tobacco operations across the state.
Under the proposed laws, authorities will gain expanded powers to target businesses involved in selling illicit tobacco products.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort to disrupt organised crime networks linked to the illegal tobacco market.
New powers to close offending stores
The legislation will give Tobacco Licensing Victoria the authority to shut down stores caught selling illegal tobacco.
Inspectors would also be able to destroy seized illicit tobacco products before a trial, rather than storing them as evidence for long periods.
Officials say the change would reduce storage costs and prevent the products from re-entering the market.
Landlords could face penalties
The proposed rules also place new responsibilities on property owners.
Landlords would be allowed to evict businesses operating illegal tobacco sales from their premises.
They could also face penalties if authorities determine they knowingly allowed illicit tobacco trade to operate in their properties.
Government links trade to organised crime
Victorian minister for casino, gaming and liquor regulation Enver Erdogan said the government was determined to shut down the illegal trade.
“Illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime,” he said.
He warned that illicit tobacco sales are often linked to organised criminal networks.
Laws expected this year
The Victorian government says the legislation will be introduced later this year.
Officials argue the new measures will give regulators stronger tools to disrupt illegal tobacco supply chains and protect legitimate businesses.
The illicit tobacco market has grown in recent years as higher cigarette taxes have increased incentives for illegal sales.