Jump to full article: Human Events, 2008-05-05
Author: Rep. Peter T. King
Intro: As Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I am acutely aware of the threats our nation faces from international terrorism. But even I was taken aback a few months ago when New York State Law Enforcement officials approached me about a possible terrorist nexus as close as the neighborhood convenience store.
Recent investigations suggested a disturbing trend: that well-organized cigarette smuggling operations are sending millions of dollars in profits annually to the Middle East, possibly to our enemies. I immediately ordered my staff on the Committee to investigate the matter further, and what they found is disturbing.
The report released by the Committee this week, entitled "Tobacco and Terror," found that New York State's refusal to enforce certain tax laws has created a market where cigarette smugglers can operate without fear of reprisal; and even worse, these smugglers are indeed sending a large portion of their profits to groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
It all starts with New York State's decision to turn a blind eye when it comes to the resale of cigarettes on the state's Native American Indian Reservations.
Jump to full article » |