Black market cigarette prices in Melbourne rise 50% amid shortages

Black market cigarette prices in Melbourne surged up to 50 percent amid supply shortages tied to the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Illicit packs of Manchester now sell for $16 to $25, compared to legitimate brands exceeding $50. Nearly 30 violent incidents have occurred since kingpin Kaz Hamad's arrest, further destabilizing the market.

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