The illicit tobacco trade is not a victimless crime – illegal cigarettes are a problem for all of us.

In Canada, hundreds of millions of contraband cigarettes are sold each year.

Criminal groups use profits generated from contraband trade to help fund other criminal activities such as illegal drugs, guns, human trafficking, corruption and money laundering. When organized crime is involved in any form of illicit commerce, violence always follows and there is a very real human cost.

Not only does contraband tobacco strengthen organized crime, it also puts Canadian consumers at risk.

Illicit products are unregulated, unchecked, and unsafe and Canadians consumers may not even be aware that the products they’re buying are at risk.

It’s time to stop fueling the fire.

Action is needed to protect Canadians and protect our communities. The time is now.