AN Australian retail group has announced they believe the federal government’s plain packaging of tobacco policy could increase the amount of illegally sold tobacco in counterfeit packaging. In a statement released on Friday, the Alliance of Australian Retailers said the policy would not only encourage the illegal tobacco trade but also cause unnecessary confusion for retail staff and create delays in service time. “The AAR believes tha ... Jump to full article >>

TRADING standards chiefs have warned smokers not to buy bootleg fags amid fears some could contain asbestos. The warning comes after a batch of Jin Ling cigarettes was reportedly offered around pubs and club across Hartlepool. The cigarettes, which originate from Russia, are thought to be twice as strong as an ordinary cigarette and many contain toxins such as industrial chemicals and asbestos-lined Chinese drywall. It is believed the cigarette ... Jump to full article >>

Police, health representatives and retailers attended the one-day conference at Perth Concert Hall. Speakers included Detective Sergeant Allan Orr of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency. DS Orr warned the production of counterfeit cigarettes was not a victimless trade and said those behind it were often involved in drug dealing and human trafficking. Discussions at the summit will form the basis of a report to be presented to the Scot ... Jump to full article >>

The cigarette industry is facing a novel new claim for compensation over its 1990s smuggling spree, which has already led to heavy civil and criminal penalties against four tobacco companies. Farmers have filed $150-million in class-action lawsuits, alleging that the firms paid them the lower, export price for tobacco that was initially sent to the United States, but then smuggled back — tax-free — for the Canadian market. They say they sho ... Jump to full article >>

Last June delegates of many governments met in Swiss City of Geneva to consider the first universal convention on illegal tobacco trade. Next month the same governments will gather again to endorse the first draft of that convention that is supposed to become a powerful tool in the struggle against the black market of tobacco products. If the convention is ratified, it would virtually crack down the illegal trade throughout the world. Tobacco pr ... Jump to full article >>

Canadian politicians and tobacco producers are clamouring for action on the illegal tobacco trade after a U. S. grand jury in the state of Washington indicted two founding partners of a Six Nations cigarette maker accused of taking part in a conspiracy to supply contraband cigarettes. Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett said in weekend interview that he couldn’t speak to the specifics of the case, but he was quick to say enforcement eff ort ... Jump to full article >>