Tobacco.org

New federal contraband tobacco enforcement strategy a good start, but more action is needed 

The Canadian Convenience Stores Association (CCSA) reacted positively to the announcement by Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day and the RCMP that the government has adopted a new enforcement strategy to tackle the out-of-control problem of contraband tobacco. However they reminded all levels of government that quick action is needed to reign in a criminal trade that's growing exponentially. "For a lot of our members, particularly small family-run convenience stores contraband tobacco is the number one issue facing them. Many get 50%-60% of their sales from the legal sale of tobacco", said Dave Bryans, President of the CCSA. "But beyond the business impact, the speed at which contraband tobacco is being spread by criminals through communities and showing up in places like schools is alarming and should be a reminder to every politician how serious this threat is to families and communities."

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