Well, Skooma might be cheap in Elsweyr because of the commonness of Moon Sugar. But if it's sold in other places, where it's illegal? Prices go up for it's exotic and illegal rarity. Risky, but that's what makes it valuable. And with Sarel knows more of it, we could always try to refine it into Balmora Blue. I don't know if he knows how it's made, but it's an option.

Speaking of options, perhaps there has been a recent excavation that some of the local natives have discovered? And upon further study, reveal that the ruins may be of Dwemer origins. Of course, no one wants to go down and check for themselves due to the inherent danger of dwemer ruins, and the location itself is too isolated to justify bringing Thalmor agents there. But it's only going to be a matter of time before their interest grows, and if we're too late, we won't be able to access the ruins without having to deal with Thalmor as well. I'd prefer if we don't just end up going to an abandoned fort, unless we get a good bounty for clearing it out for extra moolah. In that case, I wouldn't care if it was bandits or ghosts, though I'd prefer bandits. not only can you cut off their heads, but they usually stock pile a good bit of loot.