How many illegal tobacco shops are in your suburb?

A new Herald Sun investigation reveals Victoria has more illicit tobacco shops than any other state in the country – and 200 more than its closest rival New South Wales.

Nicotine pouches – a small pillow-like product you place between your lip and gum – are quickly emerging as the new frontier of the evolving tobacco wars.

Illicit cigarettes are still by far the most sought after item, but nicotine pouches — packed with nicotine, sweeteners and flavourings — are rapidly gaining on vape sales.

“If you compare the data month by month, the growth for nicotine patches has been astronomical,” an industry expert said.

It comes as a Herald Sun investigation reveals Victoria has more illicit tobacco shops than any other state in the country – and 200 more than its closest rival New South Wales.

Putting aside the Melbourne CBD and its 35 stores selling illegal tobacco, St Albans has taken the dubious title of the suburban nicotine capital of Australia.

It has a staggering 19 shops selling illicit tobacco products.

Footscray has 18, Reservoir has 17, Frankston has 15, followed by Craigieburn with 13 illegal shops.

Nicotine pouches are rapidly gaining on vape sales. Picture: Supplied

In a further blow to state and federal governments, the Herald Sun can reveal the most popular brand of illegal cigarettes – Manchester – has been found selling for just $11 a pack in Victoria.

The cheapest was Chinese brand Zhongnanhai for $10.

There were more than 20 stores selling a pack of cigarettes for $10-14, however the average was $15-19.

The average cost of a legal packet of 20 cigarettes is currently $44.22.

This is due to a world-leading federal tax excise of about $1.40 a stick – or $28.10 a pack.

The tax is due to be increased again in September.

From May 31 last year to the end of May this year, there were 777 shops selling illicit tobacco products. Some shops were selling illicit products cheaper than when undercover operatives visited the year before.

There were also special offers to buy four packs, get one free, laminated menus and products displayed on shop counters and several stores offering up to 40 different brands of illicit cigarettes.

“The governments, federal and state, can pretend all they like this isn’t happening, but that’s rubbish. It’s sold everywhere. I can even get my Hungry Panda driver to deliver me one with my Chinese meal. It’s that rife,” the industry expert said.

A Victorian tobacco licence – the last one to be implemented in the country despite recommendations dating back to May 2022 – is not due to be enforced until February 2026. It will also only have 14 inspectors for the entire state.

The state government previously said it estimated there were 10,000 shops selling tobacco products in Victoria and the taskforce has an aim of visiting 500 stores a year.

This means, even if inspectors work every day of the year, it will take them 20 years to visit each shop once.

Tobacco pouches were found to be selling at 210 shops compared to 458 where you could buy vapes. But the new product was gaining ground “exponentially”. You could buy illicit cigarettes in 718 shops – including individual sticks for $1.

Nicotine pouches have been seen as a less harmful alternative to traditional tobacco, especially in nordic countries like Sweden, which has an almost smoke-free population as defined by the World Health Organisation.

While they are yet to be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to be legally sold in Australia, consumers can import them for personal use with a prescription.

“It’s vapes 2.0,” an expert said.

“Rather than regulate the industry, they are allowing a free-for-all. The same criminal networks that are profiting from the illegal tobacco and vape trade are now pushing nicotine pouches onto the market.”

They added: “Growing awareness about the health impacts of tobacco products has driven increased interest in non-tobacco nicotine alternatives.

“However, despite this trend, governments have imposed bans on these products – even as Australians continue to seek them out in droves.”

Originally published as How many illegal tobacco shops are in your suburb?