Organised crime groups are using mainstream resale platforms like Facebook Marketplace for the sale of tobacco.
Research shows up to 25 percent of all cigarettes in New Zealand are sourced illegally.
Auckland University Public Health Professor Chris Bullen says he doesn't believe the data is that high, but rather sitting somewhere between five and 10 percent.
He says selling online is an issue, however.
"They're using these platforms now to advertise quite brazenly products, but they're tricky because they keep changing what they're calling them."
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The Mike Hosking Breakfast