Tobacco.org

• 2008 Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Strategy 

Dear Reader,

The contraband tobacco market is complex and continually evolving. The development of an RCMP Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Strategy is the first step in what will be a strategically driven process to tackle the growing illicit contraband tobacco market in Canada.

The RCMP's key concern is the for the increased involvement of organized crime implicated in illegal tobacco activities for monetary gain. The public needs to be aware that profits from illegal tobacco products are also funding other criminal activities, such as drug and gun trafficking. Furthermore, some of these organized crime groups are known to use violence to ensure profit. Be aware that you are funding criminal activity if you are purchasing products that are not sold legitimately. We all have a role to play in combating the contraband tobacco market.

Another disconcerting trend related to the illicit tobacco market is the increasing involvement of youth in contraband tobacco activities for organized crime groups. The lure of easy money and minimal risk is a situation that some can't resist.

It is important that we not only address the supply of, but also, the demand for contraband tobacco. Combating the illegal tobacco market includes targeting those who purchase the illegal products. As such, the overall goal of the Strategy is to nationally reduce the availability of and decrease the demand for contraband tobacco, in turn supporting government health objectives.

Given the broad interest in tobacco-related enforcement, we have spoken with a variety of federal, provincial and Aboriginal partners, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry and key police services. I would like to thank those that participated in the consultation process. While it is always difficult to draw the line at the number of individuals and groups to speak with, the RCMP feels that it has developed its first Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Strategy from a sampling of diverse views across the country.

In closing, the solutions to achieving our goal will not come easily or quickly, but the RCMP is dedicated to ensuring that Canadians continue to enjoy safe and secure communities.

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