ASH welcome the recent seizures by government of contraband cigarettes but still seriously concerned about levels of tobacco smuggling

Date: 02 November 2009

ASH Ireland Seriously Concerned About Levels of Tobacco Smuggling

Although we congratulate all the government agencies involved in further seizures of contraband cigarettes at Greenore Port last week, this also highlights the fact that this jurisdiction is being targeted by major criminals as a safe haven for tobacco smuggling.

Close to 25% of cigarettes smoked in this country are non-duty paid in Ireland and this is costing the exchequer millions of euro each year. This is clear evidence of the large amount of cigarettes being smuggled into this country, both by criminals gangs and people returning from countries where cigarettes are much cheaper to purchase.

Dr Angie Brown, Chairperson of ASH Ireland said to-day, “It is vitally important that the Government increase the capacity to tackle tobacco smuggling for several reasons. From the health perspective, the availability of cheap tobacco increases smoking prevalence, particularly with young people and this of course will increase the national spend on tobacco related disease now and into the future. There is also the risk that criminals or indeed dissident political groups will use the profits from tobacco smuggling to fund further criminal activity”

A cynical feature of the current debate on tobacco smuggling to emerge is the ‘concerned’ input of the tobacco industry. It should be recognised that the tobacco industry has been found guilty of involvement in tobacco smuggling both in Canada and Hong Kong. In 2004 a major tobacco industry player paid the EU Commission over €1 billion to set aside tobacco smuggling related litigation. The tobacco industry is ruthlessly about profit and selling as many cigarettes to as many people as possible in as many jurisdictions as possible. Addiction will inevitably follow for any person who commences smoking - and for this reason, the industry will have a client for decades ahead.

Dr Angie Brown also said to-day, “The Government must also look at increasing the penalties for those found to be involved in tobacco smuggling at all levels. Some international experts indicated this week that we were a ‘safe’ jurisdiction for the smugglers because of our ‘soft’ penalties – so this must be addressed”

Smuggling of tobacco is a major issue all around the world and is prevalent in many countries where cigarettes are inexpensive. So price is not the only factor, which contributes to smuggling, despite this view being regularly hailed as such by vested interests.

Ends

For contact: Wally Young, Young Communications, 01-6680530/ 087-2471520

ASH IRELAND IS FUNDED BY THE IRISH HEART FOUNDATION AND IRISH CANCER SOCIETY