From: PolitickerNJ
(CAMDEN) – The Senate Budget Committee today advanced legislation by Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) to increase penalties for selling counterfeit cigarettes. New Jersey has had a long history of cigarette smuggling, and officials have seen an explosion of activity in the last five years.
“Smuggling cigarettes is more lucrative than smuggling cocaine, with a fraction of the consequences,” said Senator Norcross. “We cannot turn a blind eye to a dangerous trade threatening our public safety.”
According to recent reports, the backbone of the counterfeit cigarette trade consists of highly organized gangs that trade in counterfeit cigarettes because of the increased profit margins and significantly lower penalties for conviction. It has also been reported that larger gangs set up branches in the area to use the traffic of cigarettes to bankroll other operations.
Norcross’s legislation would enhance penalties and fines against those caught selling illegal cigarettes. It also increases transparency of sales and strengthens state licensing and reporting requirements to more effectively assist New Jersey law enforcement.
In an April sting, the FBI arrested four men who transported 2.3 million illegal cigarettes packs from ports on the East Coast to California. Meanwhile, a cigarette smuggling operation uncovered in New York and stretching down the East Coast is suspected of bankrolling foreign militant groups.
“The time doesn’t reflect the crime,” Senator Norcross added. “This isn’t about kids looking to make a quick buck. This is organized criminal activity that undermines our economy, and it has to stop.”
The American Cancer Society has endorsed the bill, which was passed out of committee by unanimous vote. Last week, the Assembly Appropriations Committee advanced the bill, so it is now due for a vote in both houses.
