From: Toronto Sun
By Kevin Connor
TORONTO – Crime Stoppers is looking to extinguish Canada’s $2.1-billion illegal tobacco trade.
The organization has kicked off a six-week campaign using billboards and bus shelters to make the public aware of the dangers of contraband tobacco.
“This ad campaign is designed to remind Torontonians that illegal cigarettes are illegal for a reason,” Sean Sportun, vice-chair of Toronto Crime Stoppers, said Tuesday at a Scarborough convenience store. “Contraband tobacco helps fund organized crime, which compromises the safety of our community.”
The RCMP reports 175 criminal organizations are profiting from the sales of illegal tobacco and that those groups are using the cash to fund drug, gun and human trafficking.
