Now Even Nicotine Gum Has A Black Market
November 02, 2026 by substack.com
Now Even Nicotine Gum Has A Black Market
Australia's illicit nicotine market has expanded to include nicotine replacement products, with authorities seizing more than 650,000 pieces of unapproved nicotine gum in Brisbane.
The products were suspected of being counterfeit and contained potentially high nicotine doses, raising concerns about consumer safety. Their discovery also brings attention to the affordability of approved nicotine replacement therapies and the demand for accessible alternatives to cigarettes.
The case highlights the importance of combining effective enforcement with affordable, quality-controlled nicotine products. Tobacco harm reduction depends on ensuring that safer options remain more accessible and trustworthy than illicit supplies.
8.20% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 1.8 million current smokers in Australia 9.50% of men are current smokers but only 6.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
