Smokers fine with illegal cigs.

A survey by Japanese Tobacco International reveals nearly half of UK smokers are indifferent to buying illegal cigarettes, a trend influenced by the cost-of-living crisis. The study shows an increase in black market tobacco use, with 26% of cigarettes and 35% of hand-rolling tobacco consumed in early 2023 being illicit. JTI’s Vincent Byrne attributes this to weak border controls and high taxes, advocating for stricter penalties.