Concerns illicit tobacco overblown by interest groups

Checkpoint · Apr 22, 2026 · 4m

As the country battles a budding blackmarket of illicit tobacco, concerns are being raised the issue is being overblown by interest groups. RNZ has been investigating black market cigarettes and tobacco being sold over the counter, without any of the mandated health warnings and for a fraction of the cost of retail brands. Authorities are calling for a crack down on those selling the smokes illegally, but say they still don't know how big the market is. Meanwhile, those with ties to the tobacco industry say the warnings must be heeded. Finn Blackwell has more.