From: Times Colonist
Katherine Dedyna
Contraband tobacco products account for one in seven smokes in B.C. — almost 50 per cent higher than the Alberta rate, says the president of the Western Convenience Stores Association, who cited the prevalence of illegal gangs as a major factor.
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Illicit tobacco is sold without health warnings or age-verification checks, says the association that represents 2,700 B.C. gas station and convenience retailers and their affiliates who sell legal tobacco products. Sales of illegal products cut into sales of legal ones and the other purchases smokers usually make.
Kuklas found the prevalence of contraband cigarettes dropped near schools to be troubling.
