Metcash chief executive Doug Jones has urged governments and law enforcement agencies to crack down on organised crime, after the grocery wholesaler reported a sharp drop in tobacco sales due to the growth in illegal trade.
Metcash is one of the nation’s biggest tobacco vendors but is selling 40 per cent – or $1.3 billion – less since peak sales in 2021 as high excises prompted a surge in black market trade, much of it controlled by criminal gangs.
“The foothold and the increasing strength of organised crime in this country is something I’m very alarmed about,” Jones said. “It shouldn’t be viewed as a tobacco problem but as an organised crime and societal problem.” He is calling for swift action “at the very highest level”.
Source: https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/metcash-leans-on-food-as-illegal-trade-crushes-tobacco-sales-20250623-p5m9gs