From: Press Release
NCACT: 1 in 3 cigarettes purchased in Ontario is illegal; Ontario well behind other provinces as black market for cigarettes reaches critical level that has not been seen for decades
TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2015 /CNW/ – Many people are unaware that the rising sale of illegal tobacco has reached a critical level in Ontario – one that has not been seen in decades. While Ontario is starting to take strides to remedy this situation, the well-financed organized crime groups that are actively bringing guns and drugs into the province have led Ontario to have the worst illegal cigarette problem in Canada. And when Ontarians learn the facts around this issue, the majority express their dissatisfaction with the status quo and are demanding more action be taken – including tougher penalties for illegal tobacco traffickers and added powers and funding for law enforcement.
Conducted on behalf of The National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco (NCACT), this Ontario provincial survey, entitled The Guns and Drugs in Our Backyards: What Ontarians Don’t Know About Illegal Tobacco, reveals the need for greater awareness and action around this important and dangerous public safety issue.
