From: Hallmark News (Nigeria)
Dominated globally by organised crime, the illicit tobacco trade could be said to be a frightening tripod that damages legitimate business, undermines public health and facilitates the supply of tobacco to young people. The criminality involved, including the use of the proceeds to fund other crimes, has a devastating effect on individuals
and communities worldwide.
One may argue that illicit tobacco trade has largely been fueled by over-regulation and over –taxation of the legitimate producers of tobacco products. Government tax policies, which result in excessively high retail prices, are the key drivers of the growth of the illegal
trade in tobacco products. Weak laws, penalties and inadequate enforcement, whether from limited resources and training or conflicting priorities, are also important factors which encourage the illegal trade.
