Australian Border Force Leads 20-nation Multinational Meeting To Jointly Combat Illegal Tobacco Trade

Australian Border Force leads 20-nation multinational meeting to jointly combat illegal tobacco trade

A multinational conference led by the Australian Border Force will be held in Singapore, where customs officials from 20 Asia-Pacific countries will jointly combat the illegal tobacco trade, aiming to address this global problem through international cooperation.

According to Mirage News on September 3, customs officials from 20 Asia-Pacific countries will participate in an event led by the Australian Border Force (ABF) in Singapore over the next two days to warn transnational criminal groups engaged in illegal tobacco trade.

ABF Commander Ken McKern said that the illegal tobacco trade is a problem that transcends national borders and requires a joint response.

"The global illicit tobacco trade diverts billions of dollars in tax revenue that could otherwise be spent on health, education and other essential community services, and funds transnational crime, corruption and terrorism. The trade has both domestic and international dimensions and requires collaboration at all levels to combat."

"The Asia Pacific Illicit Tobacco Initiative 2024 will renew regional action to combat illicit tobacco, building on previous successful campaigns. The campaign will also generate additional information and intelligence from customs partners around the world, allowing the ABF and Australian partner agencies to continue to target and prosecute criminals involved in the importation and supply of illicit tobacco."

Acting Commissioner of Australia's Illegal Tobacco and Electronic Cigarettes (ITEC) Unit, Erin Dale, said her priority was to tackle illicit tobacco at source, preventing and deterring these products from entering Australia.

"International collaboration is vital to Australia's efforts to combat illicit tobacco, ensuring our policies are understood around the world. I commend the ABF for their work in driving this first-of-its-kind operation."

The ITEC Commissioner is a new Australian Government position created to address the complex challenges posed by illicit tobacco and electronic cigarettes.

Representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, China, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vanuatu and Vietnam will attend the event.

The event will be held in Singapore on September 3-4, 2024.