Transcripts and Audio
Jade Hawkins: Organised crime links, audio download (WAV, 4.2MB)This link will download a file
Illicit tobacco growing operations are not run by small producers or farmers. They are run by organised crime syndicates who use their profits to fund much more sinister illegal activities that pose a significant threat to the Australian community. At the ATO, we’re committed to detecting, disrupting and dismantling illicit tobacco operations.
Jade Hawkins: Impact, audio download (WAV, 2.8MB)This link will download a file
Engaging in the illicit tobacco trade is a serious offence and is far from victimless. It takes vital funding away from essential community services and instead channels it directly into the hands of organised crime.
Jade Hawkins: Growing signs, audio download (WAV, 6MB)This link will download a file
If you suspect that illicit tobacco is being grown, manufactured or sold in your community you can confidentially report it to the ATO. Some of the signs to look out for include:
- intense labour production typically between November and May
- unusual enquiries about land for lease
- unexplained and potentially unlawful use of water resources or
- large, leafy plants that resemble kale, cabbage or corn and may have a pink flower growing on top.
Jade Hawkins: Selling signs, audio download (WAV, 3.2MB)This link will download a file
You can help stop the illicit tobacco trade from undercutting honest businesses. Some of the signs of that a business is selling illicit tobacco products include:
- customers asking for ‘cheap cigarettes’ or ‘chop-chop’ or
- tobacco products that are missing health warning labels.
Jade Hawkins: Tip-offs, audio download (WAV, 5.8MB)This link will download a file
Buying and selling illicit tobacco is a serious tax crime. Public tip-offs help us to identify, seize and destroy illicit tobacco crops before they are harvested and sold on the black market. If you suspect that illicit tobacco is being grown, manufactured or sold in your community, you can confidentially report it online or by phoning 1800 060 062.
Jade Hawkins: Legality, audio download (WAV, 4.6MB)This link will download a file
Growing tobacco in Australia for commercial sale or personal use is illegal. If you see a crop of tobacco, you can be certain it’s illegal. There have been no licenced tobacco growers or manufacturers in Australia for over a decade. If convicted, penalties for manufacturing or producing illicit tobacco carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
Jade Hawkins: Further information, audio download (WAV, 2.1MB)This link will download a file
To find out more information about illicit tobacco including how we’re fighting back, visit ato.gov.au/illicittobacco.
The following recordings feature Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins discussing illicit tobacco. Radio stations may use these recordings as audio content.