From: British American Tobacco (Australia)
British American Tobacco Australia (BATA) has called upon the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement (PJCLE) to recommend the Government adopt a National Illicit Tobacco Strategy.
BATA spokesperson Joshua Fett said that Australian taxpayers are already haemorrhaging $1.49 billion to criminals each year, and unless the Government acts now this number will likely top $3 billion by 2020.
“The current patchwork of responsibilities and enforcement tools simply doesn’t contemplate sophisticated criminal networks responsible for tobacco smuggling,” Mr Fett said. “A National Illicit Tobacco Strategy would provide clarity to government departments and law enforcement agencies on roles and responsibilities.
