24 April 2012 For Immediate Release

Kiwis increasingly aware of illicit tobacco products

An alarming number of Kiwis are aware of illicit or illegal tobacco products, according to new research.

Studies carried out for Imperial Tobacco New Zealand show 26.6 percent of Kiwi smokers are now aware of that illegal tobacco products are available for purchase.

Imperial market manager, Paul Warham, said the figures are troubling.

“While the illicit trade in tobacco products in New Zealand is still relatively low, as more people become aware of black market product, more people will buy it, particularly if the cost of smoking continues to rise dramatically.

Mr Warham said that the Government needs to ensure that it doesn’t cause more problems than it solves.

“Policy measures like significant excise increases or plain packaging will make it much easier for criminals to manufacture and sell illicit tobacco products, leading to an unregulated market with no controls over what tobacco is on sale, who sells it and who buys it.

“The illicit tobacco market in Australia has grown 150 percent in just three years. We believe the illicit market will grow here as well if New Zealand continues to follow in Australia’s footsteps on tobacco issues.”

Mr Warham stressed the need for a rational debate on policy around smoking.

- ENDS -

© Scoop Media