Billions lost in Illegal trade of cigarettes

Citizens are calling on the government to take decisive action in combating the illegal trade of cigarettes.

More than 10‚000 South Africans have signed a petition on the #TakeBackTheTax campaign‚ said anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee.

Abramjee said those who had added their voices to a call to stop the economy from losing at least R7-billion in tax revenue every year were responsible citizens.

The petition calls on the authorities to put an end to the illegal trade and ensure that full tax is paid for every cigarette sold in the country.

The campaign was launched by the Tobacco Institute of Southern Africa (Tisa).

“The response from the public has been excellent so far and we urge South Africans to continue to stand up and take a stand against the illicit trade‚” said Abramjee.

“Traders don’t even try to hide this theft anymore. Cigarettes for R5 and R10 a pack are boldly displayed and sold in almost every shop and on every table top in the country.”

He called the illegal trade “daylight robbery” and said calls had been made to the state to act urgently and decisively.

Abramjee said the petition figure of 10‚121 – as of Monday morning – could be surpassed.

Sars had recently committed to stopping the illicit trade‚ but “we now want to see tangible action being taken‚ as a matter of urgency,” Abramjee said.

Cigarettes for R5 and R10 a pack are boldly sold in almost every shop