Anti-contraband tobacco spokesman to visit Truro

A spokesman for the National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco (NCACT) will be in Truro on Thursday to discuss the challenges of illegal cigarettes with law enforcement groups and elected officials.

National spokesman Gary Grant is visiting communities in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick that are most severely impacted by illegal cigarettes to meeting with law enforcement groups and elected officials to discuss the challenges of illegal cigarettes.

“Contraband tobacco is a major problem in Canada, particularly in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia,” the group said in a news release. “Illegal cigarettes fund the activities of more than 175 criminal gangs, including drugs, guns, and human smuggling.”

The low price and easy availability of contraband tobacco also makes it a prime source of youth smoking and NCACT believes that meaningful action is needed by all levels of government to curb the problem.

Grant is also to meet with officials in New Glasgow on the same day.

Mr. Grant will be visiting communities in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia that are most severely impacted by illegal cigarettes. He will be meeting with law enforcement groups and municipal, provincial and federal decision makers to discuss the challenges of illegal cigarettes. He is also available for media interviews.