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Story summary
- Illicit consumption rose to 45% of United Kingdom use in 2025, adding 1.5 billion cigarettes versus 2024.
- Over 10 billion illicit cigarettes were smoked in 2025, costing more than £4.46 billion in lost tax revenue.
- Front shops posing as grocers, vape or candy stores and United Kingdom factories drive the illicit market.
- Philip Morris Limited urged a licensing scheme and undercover teams, warning that weak enforcement costs the United Kingdom £4.5 billion a year.
