For subscribers
Why Big Tobacco wants everyone to believe Singapore’s illicit market is rampant
It’s a ploy to deter governments from raising taxes and gain legal access for products that are currently banned.
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In reality, illicit cigarette trade is linked to the extent of corruption and criminality, not to the levels of tobacco tax.
PHOTO: ST FILE
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Yvette van der Eijk
Everyone seems to be well aware of Singapore’s illicit market for vaping and tobacco products.
The number of people caught vaping each year has risen from 1,266 in 2020 to 4,916 in 2022.
