18 Jan 2024

Australian government cracks down on illegal tobacco trade

From Morning Report, 8:45 am on 18 January 2024

Australia's federal government has launched a 188 million dollar campaign to crack down on the country's illegal tobacco trade.

Police in Victoria have 28 active arson investigations running, including tobacco and vape shops, gyms, restaurants and private addresses - all linked to organised crime syndicates.

On Tuesday, a tobacco store north of Melbourne was set alight under suspicious circumstances.

Australian correspondent Phil Kafcaloudes spoke with Ben Strang.