Pubdate: Sat, 16 Sep 2017
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2017 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/wEtbT4yU
Website: http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v17/n306/a06.html
Author: Gary Grant
Page: A17

FUELLING CRIMINAL TRADE

Re: Ontario pot plan ensures future of black market, Andrew Coyne, Sept. 12

Andrew Coyne's contention that Ontario has kept cigarettes "mostly out
of the hands of criminals" is giving the province too much credit.
Ontario has the worst illegal cigarette problem in the country, with
an estimated one in three cigarettes purchased being illegal, often
through purpose-built illegal smoke shacks. And it is the criminals
who are reaping the benefits - the RCMP has identified about 175
criminal gangs in Canada involved in the trade. Gangs use the proceeds
to fund their other illegal activities, including guns, drugs and
human smuggling - often when you see contraband tobacco busts, other
illegal materials are found on the scene.

Ontario can't forget about contraband tobacco as it turns its
attention to marijuana. Both are major problems that fuel organized
crime and hinder government regulatory efforts. Both deserve attention.

Gary Grant, National Spokesperson, National Coalition Against Contraband 
Tobacco
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MAP posted-by: Matt