Buying contraband tobacco is not a victimless crime.
That’s according to Gary Grant, a spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco.
He says many people believe they are cheating the taxman when they buy contraband cigarettes.
“But we’re really all being cheated, it’s not the taxman’s money, it’s the taxpayers money,” says Grant. “That money should be utilized in taxes for legitimate enterprises that help everyone from New Brunswick.”
He adds contraband tobacco is often sold by organized crime.
“The RCMP has indicated that most of those people who are selling contraband are also selling drugs, and weapons, and they’re targeting young people,” says Grant. “So when organized crime comes into the community, it’s not good for the community, so in essence, we’re all victims.”
Illegal cigarettes help bankroll weapon sales & organized crime #StopIllegalTobacco pic.twitter.com/hSzJGm6hz3
— Stop Illegal Tobacco (@StopContraband) July 22, 2016
Grant says hopefully police, the public, and government will continue to work together to interdict the increasing trade in contraband tobacco in New Brunswick.
Illegal factories can produce 10,000 illegal cigarettes per minute. Get the facts at https://t.co/Ydfm6UuNOv pic.twitter.com/io2AaDaq1q
— Stop Illegal Tobacco (@StopContraband) July 19, 2016
Illegal tobacco helps fund guns, drugs, & organized crime. Join the conversation at https://t.co/Ydfm6UuNOv #stopIllegalTobacco
— Stop Illegal Tobacco (@StopContraband) July 14, 2016
