The Age uncovered the prominent sale of nicotine pouches at shops selling illicit tobacco products in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, a concerning discovery as organized crime syndicates have already infiltrated the tobacco industry in Victoria. A turf war between rival crime groups for control of these shops has resulted in arson attacks, murders, and shootings. While there is no evidence that the main syndicates involved in the “tobacco wars” are behind the nicotine pouch market, these products are being sold alongside illicit cigarettes at the same shops. The seized Velo brand cans are products of British American Tobacco and worth over $500,000 based on current market prices in Melbourne.
The appeal of candy-flavored nicotine pouches on the black market is due to the high profits retailers can make by charging double or triple the bulk purchase price from overseas suppliers. Marketed as an oral smokeless product, these pouches are produced by major tobacco companies like BAT and Philip Morris International. Although similar to snus, which typically contains tobacco, nicotine pouches do not, leading to concerns about their appeal to non-tobacco users. The Australian Medical Association has warned about the high nicotine levels in these pouches and the lack of research into other chemicals they contain.
The marketing and flavoring of nicotine pouches are believed to be intentionally targeted at children and young people as a new “gateway” product to nicotine addiction. Industry experts and watchdog groups are concerned about the potential health risks and the tactics used by tobacco companies to attract a younger audience. Social media platforms like TikTok have banned influencers promoting nicotine pouches, highlighting the serious nature of this issue. The tobacco industry’s constant introduction of new products, such as vaping and now nicotine pouches, is seen as a strategy to maintain a steady stream of nicotine consumers for life.
Experts, including Associate Professor Marita Hefler and Becky Freeman, believe that the tobacco industry is actively trying to target a youth market with products like nicotine pouches. The introduction of confectionery flavors like “gummy bears” and “watermelon candy” in the pouches is seen as a blatant attempt to appeal to children. The growing trend of nicotine pouches being marketed as a lifestyle product through social media further raises concerns about their potential impact on young people. Despite the efforts of lawful manufacturers like British American Tobacco to combat the illegal retail prevalence of these products, the Australian government has yet to engage in meaningful regulatory actions to address the growing black market.
As the nicotine pouch market continues to grow rapidly overseas, there is an urgent need for government intervention to regulate these products and protect public health. The lack of research into the potential health risks associated with these pouches, alongside the intentional marketing tactics aimed at young consumers, poses serious challenges in the fight against nicotine addiction. Law enforcement and health experts are calling for stricter regulations and enforcement measures to prevent the further spread of alternative nicotine products like nicotine pouches in Australia. With the tobacco industry’s relentless pursuit of new products to sustain nicotine consumption, it is essential for policymakers to take decisive action to safeguard the health of the population.
