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• Quebec to crack down on contraband tobacco 

The Quebec government on Wednesday unveiled a push to stop trade in illicit cigarettes, including stiffer fines and a moratorium on manufacturing permits.

The bill, introduced by provincial Revenue Minister Robert Dutil also gives more power to police, notably municipal organizations, to arrest, fine or charge producers, distributors and consumers of illegal cigarettes.

"This is probably the most important element," Dutil told reporters Wednesday.

About 30 per cent of cigarettes smoked in Quebec are contraband and the Quebec government is losing about $300 million a year in taxes, Dutil said.

He blamed organized crime for most of the illicit trade, but noted natives also are involved.

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