From: BetterRetailing.com
The rise of counterfeit plain packs is introducing illicit tobacco into areas previously less affected by the black market according to the Consumer Packaging Manufacturer’s Alliance (CPMA).
The CPMA represents the views of tobacco packaging manufacturers. Its CEO Mark Ridgway said: “Traditionally, the illegal trade has been centred on large industry centres with distribution via small retail outlets, car boot sales and other market type places of contact. This has now extended into rural areas.”
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Retail Express first uncovered the existence of counterfeit plain packs in November last year. A source within trading standards at the time said counterfeit plain packs were first spotted in the midlands but were “spreading south”.
