Contraband tobacco inhales 30 to 50 per cent of B.C. market, retailers, industry fear

Holland said he recalled thinking that perhaps tax increases and the shift to plain packaging to deter young people from buying cigarettes actually convinced more people to quit smoking.

Holland, whose Oyama General Store includes groceries and convenience items, a post office and liquor outlet, said the prevalence of contraband tobacco impacts his bottom line but it also hurts taxpayers and the health care system. The organization called on B.C. Premier David Eby to ensure the government includes measures to combat illegal tobacco as part of its public safety agenda.

"That work includes a designated inspections program that helps prevent the sale of contraband products in retail outlets," says the statement. "We also participate in the federal and provincial tobacco stamping program that offers improved security features and markings. This makes counterfeit tobacco products more difficult to produce and easier to identity."

"It's a major problem, but nobody is going to cry because big tobacco is losing money, but governments across Canada are losing approximately $2 billion a year on this," said Eric Gagnon, Imperial Tobacco Canada vice president external affairs, in an interview.

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