However, the price of tobacco products being sold on the black market is typically less than half the excise duty that must be paid. The east Auckland store is one of a number of outlets in the country's largest city that RNZ believes is offering illicit tobacco products for sale. Daljeet Singh Sidhu, a retailer based in Papakura, claimed the black market for tobacco products in Auckland was an open secret. Barnes highlighted the price differential between legitimate and illicit tobacco products. Customs warned retailers to refrain from selling illicit tobacco products.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 30, 2026 02:14 UTC