Articles tagged with Tobacco Smuggling

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Cabinet Approves Tougher Penalties to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade

29 Sep 2026, 3:50 PM | 1 week ago | 86 views

Cabinet has approved tougher penalties and new offences to combat the illicit tobacco trade, addressing issues like unlawful packaging and increasing fines up to $200,000. These changes will support agencies such as Health New Zealand, Customs, and Police in disrupting organized crime linked to illegal tobacco, with prison terms for smuggling raised from six months to seven years. The amendments aim to protect legitimate businesses, safeguard tax revenue, and strengthen enforcement under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990.

Tags: Costello Cabinet Health New Zealand Ministry of Health Customs Police Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act Customs and Excise Amendment Bill tobacco smuggling illicit tobacco trade