THE Consumers Association of Penang welcomes Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai’s recent statement that the Government will fine those caught smoking or possessing illicit or illegal cigarettes in a bid to reduce demand for such cigarettes, leading to a halt of such smuggling and trading activities. Illegal and contraband brands may cost as low as RM2 per 20 sticks pack, while duty-free cigarettes are smuggled by syndicates and sold ill ... Jump to full article >>

At least 35 tonnes of tobacco has been seized from an unlicensed shop in Abu Dhabi, a top official said Thursday. Abu Dhabi municipality officials made the seizure at a tyre shop. A total of 700 sacks, each weighing 50 kg, were seized in addition to 20 barrels of raw tobacco. Tobacco processing, wrapping and grinding equipment were also confiscated. Khalifa Al Romaithi, director of public health, said the shop was engaged in an unlicensed busin ... Jump to full article >>

The Singapore Customs recently realised that that has been an influx of illegal cigarettes in the black market. They also pointed out that ccigarettes bearing the brand “Moon Mountain” are currently not supplied by any local tobacco importer or wholesaler licensed by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). The customs believe that these cigarettes are being smuggled into Singapore by syndicates. The cigarettes resemble legitimate cigar ... Jump to full article >>

As the Tax and Customs Board has made its battle with the black market for cigarettes this year’s priority operation, many otherwise jobless citizens in the border town of Narva have turned smuggling into a life source. The expanding black market is a result of raising the excise tax to the EU minimum, a 20 percent increase implemented in two annual increments beginning in 2011. The recession and the fact that cigarettes are three times ... Jump to full article >>

It’s fascinating to watch the political dance around tobacco. Politicians tell us all about the evils of smoking tobacco and offer very public displays to curb people of the habit. But at the same time, they sit back and rake in the taxes drawn from people buying the legal product. In recent years, we have seen greater restrictions on where people can smoke and how vendors can display and sell tobacco products. The latest is the unveiling ... Jump to full article >>

Malaysia’s FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index rose for a third day, climbing 6.17, or 0.4 percent, to 1,523.61 at the 12:30 p.m. lunch break, heading for the highest close since Nov. 10. British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Bhd. (ROTH MK), the nation’s largest tobacco company, rose 1.4 percent to 45.52 ringgit. Sales of illegal cigarettes in Malaysia fell in the three months to August to account for 36.7 percent of total industry sales in the cou ... Jump to full article >>

A 67-year-old Sandy Point man is facing charges after RCMP from the Shelburne County Street Crime Enforcement Unit seized more than $11,600 worth of contraband cigarettes in searches of a house and vehicle. More than 5,000 illegal cigarettes were found in the search of the house and a quantity of cash police believe was derived from the sales of the smokes was seized. RCMP say the man was arrested driving through Shelburne and more than 5,000 co ... Jump to full article >>

Thirteen Washington area residents were indicted on charges of trading guns, drugs and cash for black market cigarettes to sell in New York, according to documents filed in federal court in Alexandria. Two conspirators are also accused of hiring a hit man to kill a husband and wife that they believed tried to steal from them. “The alleged crimes go far beyond illegal cigarettes, but also involve drugs, guns, and a plot to murder,” U. ... Jump to full article >>

Some of the money earned from the sale of black market smokes is fuelling firearm and drug smuggling efforts by organized criminal groups, an expert says. About $2 billion in tax revenue goes up in smoke as a result of the sale of illegal smokes, according to a report by the Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers Council. About 13 billion illegal cigarettes are sold in Canada a year. “People think selling contraband cigarettes is a victimless crime a ... Jump to full article >>

Tobacco company sees attempted $50 billion cash grab by Ontario as political stunt, unrelated to addressing alleged health concerns MONTREAL, Sept. 29 /CNW Telbec/ – Imperial Tobacco Canada is stunned that a province in which close to 50 per cent of tobacco products purchased are illegal is targeting the legal industry while continuing to turn a blind eye to illegal tobacco sales. “We find it unbelievable that the Government of Ontar ... Jump to full article >>