From the Desk - Is Australia creating its next black market?

Real Crime with Adam Shand · Jul 23, 2026 · 6m · transcript

Australia's illicit tobacco trade has fuelled a wave of firebombings, extortion and organised crime. But is history about to repeat itself with alcohol?In this episode of From the Desk, Adam Shand examines how rising alcohol excise may be creating new opportunities for criminal syndicates. From illegal distilleries and counterfeit spirits to billion-dollar tax losses and dangerous contaminated alcohol, he explores the unintended consequences of government policy and asks whether Australia has found the right balance between protecting public health and preventing organised crime.

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