In 2024, Romanian law enforcement made headlines with the interception of 40 million counterfeit cigarettes in a coordinated effort to combat the illegal tobacco trade. 'Antena 3 CNN' covered the story extensively, drawing on EPICENTER's Nanny State Index 2023 to provide a deeper understanding of Romania’s tobacco pricing and tax policies. The article discussed how Romania's high tobacco taxes, while effective in reducing smoking rates, have also made the country a hotspot for smuggling and counterfeit operations. The piece delved into the complexities of balancing public health objectives with the economic impact on consumers.