A recent poll, “Stelling van de Dag,” reveals overwhelming consensus among Dutch participants that the country’s current anti-smoking policies are ineffective. Over 80% agree that high tobacco taxes are driving smokers towards criminal activity to obtain cheaper cigarettes. The respondents believe that a lack of coordinated European regulations on tobacco excise duties is the root cause of the problem. Without a unified approach, higher Dutch taxes simply encourage cross-border smuggling and illicit trade. Participants argue this pushes consumers into the hands of criminals and undermines public health efforts. The poll highlights a perceived failure of national policy in the absence of broader European cooperation on tobacco taxation. This suggests a need for international collaboration to combat the illegal cigarette trade and address the unintended consequences of high taxes.