Problems associated with the smuggling of contraband tobacco is only getting worse, according to Gary Grant, a national representative of the National Coalition of Anti-Smuggling Tobacco (NCACT).

 Grant for a few days traveling in the St. Lawrence – the smuggling capital of the country – said communities affected by trafficking and attempting to raise awareness about what many perceive as a “victimless crime”.

Grant will try to generate public interest in this issue by turning to the deputies, WFP, municipal councilors and representatives of Brockville, Gananoque, Kingston, Cobourg, Belleville, and Oshawa and Cornwall.

Grant will also tour around various convenience stores in the respective cities to speak to owners about how contraband tobacco is affecting their business.

Contraband tobacco is very profitable, there is little cost associated with their production, said Grant.

“The money these gangs of criminals and make invested in other criminal enterprises.

“Next thing you know they sell drugs, weapons, people, and send money home to Hezbollah’s example.”

RCMP has done research and studies on these illegal cigarettes, according to Grant – they found the eggs of insects, pesticides, and even feces.

Who needs a smoke?

Of course, you can go online every now and then and see the headline to show off big-time busts.

For example, “Task Force seizes more than 100 cases of tobacco,” the title of February 15, sounds monumental.

Really, though, according to Grant, this means that very little.

“There are a huge number of seizures, RCMP does a great job capturing the millions of cigarettes and money,” said Grant.

“Nevertheless, in their own estimates, they receive only 5% of the contraband.”

If tax revenues are collected all the smuggled cigarettes are there, the provincial government will have an additional $ 2.4 billion a year to play.

The level of youth smoking on the rise again, postulates that Grant has a direct correlation with the availability of tobacco smuggling.

“Young people can buy these things for pennies apiece, you do not have ID”, he said, explaining that attracts young people in a bad habit.

“Then they say,” why not get a bottle of vodka?

In this sense, he is not getting better, Grant said.

In order to beat the butts of contraband, Grant is encouraging a number of actions at all levels of government and police agencies.

He said the problem should be solved at its source, about 50 unregulated production centers across the country.

The grant supports enhanced penalties and investigative powers given to police and prosecutors to target in trade.

The grant also calls for tougher penalties for those caught smuggling and seizure of expanded police powers. Creating a new offense of the charge specially for smuggling contraband and send a message to those who tried to think of happiness, Grant said.

Cornwall will play a significant role in the success or failure of national efforts to curb smuggling, Grant said.

“We believe that it is very important border crossing remains here, a joint Canada / U.S. border and cooperation. Cornwall Island, is a large island with a lot of criminal activity.”

“It all starts here, walking along the 401 freeway,” he said.

“The problem happened in Ontario and Quebec. Now we see the busts in many provinces across the country. This industry is hard to stop, and we should then hear the voice of our government to action.”

As with any complex task, the suppression of smuggling and contraband tobacco in Canada will require efforts from all.

“We would like to see the federal government to fulfill its promise of 50 additional officers on tobacco smuggling,” said Grant.

“I think we need the efforts of all concerned police forces working in unison to develop a more co-ordinates and a rational approach to the management of contraband that enters the country illegally.”

Tags: tobacco smuggling

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