Smokers should face tougher penalties over illicit tobacco, police chief suggests

Smokers buying illicit cigarettes should face tougher penalties, SA Police Commissioner suggests

In short

SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has said consumer-side penalties for the purchase of illicit tobacco "is a question that needs to be considered".

It is illegal in SA to sell or import unauthorised tobacco products, but not to buy them, the commissioner said.

The comments coincide with the seizure of more than one million illegal cigarettes and vapes in interstate raids, as well as national debate about ways to curb the illegal trade.