Nicotine is a topic.

It is Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 5:52 am.

Kawther Salih says she was forced to work in the underground tobacco industry.

Kawther Salih was a teenager when she married a man who later pleaded guilty to helping Australia's illegal nicotine trade.

Her marriage turned into an abusive relationship, and she was forced to work in the tobacco industry.

She describes it as forced labor on women, a very bad situation.

Kawther shares stories of tobacco being smuggled and her being forced to pack tobacco into bags.

Kawther knows how scared women in similar situations can be.

The illicit tobacco trade is worth up to $7 billion, and it is viewed in many different ways.

Kawther says nobody knows how she lived, and it was a horror.

She is small but speaks strongly and calmly, acknowledging the risk of speaking out.

If you know more, you can contact Liam Walsh.

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Kawther's arranged marriage led her into the illegal trade.

Kawther was 17 when she married Sam Albion, who was in his mid-20s.

They settled in Queensland, Australia, around 2013.

Sam Albion was involved in the tobacco trade, which was very successful.

Kawther says the situation was very bad, with women being forced to work and being hit.

She saw tobacco being smuggled in fake doors and audio speakers.

Women would unpack the tobacco, fluff it, and spray water on it.

Kawther says wives were forced to assist in the trade, often handling cash and tobacco.

She was able to leave her husband in 2023 after being hit and going to the hospital.

Kawther says she has not made up stories to take revenge on her former husband.

The ABC tried to contact Sam Albion, but he has rejected claims of violence and controlling behavior.

Partners can be forced into labor, which is a form of domestic violence.

The Domestic Violence Action Centre says it has seen cases of people forcing their partners into labor.

Leaving such situations can be very tough, and it is essential to ensure safety first.

Kawther believes Sam Albion is now in Dubai and has two properties there.

Sam Albion posted on Facebook about being in Dubai, near the Burj Khalifa.

It is believed that Sam Albion is now in Dubai.

The Australian tobacco industry has become rough for Sam Albion, with his store being burned down twice.

Kawther is now starting her own business as a personal trainer and is speaking out about her experiences.

She was worried about discussing the illegal tobacco trade but received help from the government and counseling.

Investigative journalism is essential for sharing stories like Kawther's.

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It is Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 5:52 am.

It is Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6:23 am.

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