Checking in on Australia's prohibitionist tobacco policies, which I've covered in the past for how they incentivize organized crime. A couple recent developments: - New legislation in Victoria would impose sentences of up to 15 years(!) in jail for selling tobacco without a license - An innocent woman has been killed in the string of arsons related to the illicit tobacco trade
Federal government announces extra $160m to fight illegal cigarette trade
Health Minister Mark Butler was in Melbourne on Wednesday to announce about $160 million in extra funds in an effort to stamp out the rampant illicit tobacco trade.
abc.net.au