Contraband tobacco is a serious problem in British Columbia that is hurting retailers and British Columbians.
Every year, lawful and licensed convenient store owners lose out on millions in revenue due to the prevalence of illegal tobacco sales.
Criminal groups profit from the buying and selling of illegal tobacco products. These crime groups are simultaneously trafficking drugs, humans, and weapons.
Illegal tobacco trafficking invites criminal activity into British Columbia’s communities and undermines legitimate business operations, having a major impact on our local economy.
Illicit trade robs British Columbians of millions of dollars in provincial tax revenue that supports B.C. social programs.
Illegal tobacco trafficking is a major threat to public safety and endangers consumer safety by driving consumers to the illegal market and making unregulated tobacco products easily accessible.
Convenience store retailers in B.C. are suffering, having to permanently shut down their stores due to the inability to compete with organized crime groups and losing their livelihoods.
Other provinces have taken action against this serious problem. Why are B.C.’s public officials not doing the same?