From: Press Release
Cairo, Egypt – 4th January, 2012 – Philip Morris Egypt LLC (“PME”) welcomes the recent seizure of over 9 million counterfeit cigarettes bearing Philip Morris International (PMI) brand names by the Egyptian Customs Authority in Ain Sokhna. The cigarettes, which originated in China, were hidden under a cover load of furniture and destined for sale in the Egyptian domestic market.
If this shipment had not been seized, it would have resulted in an estimated tax loss to the government of over 3.5 million Egyptian Pounds. This latest seizure brings the total number of cigarettes seized by the Egyptian Customs Authority this year to nearly 100 million cigarettes, or 5 million packs, which represents the equivalent of over 20 million Egyptian Pounds in potential tax losses that have been avoided.
The prevention and elimination of the trade in illicit cigarettes in Egypt requires ongoing and close cooperation between government, law enforcement, and the tobacco industry. Ali Takesh, Managing Director Philip Morris Egypt LLC, commented, “PM Egypt welcomes the strong commitment of the Egyptian Customs Authority to tackle this issue. Illicit cigarettes cause significant losses of tax revenues for the state, harm legitimate retailers, consumers and manufacturers, and bring increased criminality. PM Egypt remains committed to working with Egyptian authorities in tackling this critical issue.”
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About PME:
Philip Morris Egypt LLC is an affiliate of Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI), the leading international tobacco company, with seven of the world’s top 15 brands, including Marlboro, the number one cigarette brand worldwide. PMI’s products are sold in approximately 180 countries. In 2010, the company held an estimated 16.0% share of the total international cigarette market outside of the U.S., or 27.6% excluding the People’s Republic of China and the U.S. For more information, see www.pmi.com
For more information, please contact:
Sally Anwar
Senior Client Relation Executive
Promoseven Weber Shandwick
61, El Kouds Al Sharif St,
Mohandessin, Cairo, Egypt
T +202 33048560/1/2/3
F +202 33047213
M +202 0188519519 – 0171066800
sally.anwar@ws-mena.com
