Proponents of the current government approach argue that the rise of the black market is primarily a law-and-order crisis that requires aggressive, coordinated enforcement rather than a retreat on tax policy. Supporters of this view emphasize that the illicit tobacco trade is a major revenue stream for transnational organized crime groups, which are increasingly involved in violent activities such as extortion and firebombings. By focusing on dismantling these criminal networks, authorities aim to protect community safety and restore the integrity of the national tax system.
From this perspective, lowering tobacco excise would be a counterproductive measure that fails to address the root cause of the problem. Advocates for strict enforcement point out that even if taxes were reduced, criminal syndicates would likely lower their prices further to maintain their market share, ultimately undermining public health goals without eliminating the black market. They argue that the government must continue to invest in the Illicit Tobacco Taskforce and strengthen legislative frameworks to seize illegal crops and prosecute those involved in the distribution of unregulated products.
Furthermore, supporters maintain that the primary objective of high tobacco taxes has always been to discourage smoking and protect the health of the population. They warn that bowing to industry pressure to lower taxes would only serve to increase the affordability of all tobacco products, potentially leading to higher smoking rates among vulnerable groups. By maintaining a firm stance, the government aims to uphold the long-term health benefits achieved through decades of tobacco control, while simultaneously working to clear the market of dangerous, unregulated substances.