ND1118112

Title: Manitoba Acts Fast Against Smoke Shack

Description: The quick seizure of contraband tobacco from the Dakota Chundee Smoke Shop helps keep the problem from spreading.

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OTTAWA, Ontario ? On Wednesday, a Manitoba Finance special investigation unit seized nearly 90,000 contraband cigarettes from the Dakota Chundee Smoke Shop. The tribes behind the shop are wielding the inexpensive cigarettes as a weapon in a land dispute with Canada.

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?It is good news that the province acted quickly to seize contraband from this smoke shack," said Gary Grant, spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco (NCACT), in a press release. ?The experience in other jurisdictions, particularly Ontario and Quebec, has seen government inaction lead to an expansion of the smoke shack network and a growth in the influence of organized crime.?

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There are currently more than 300 smoke shacks operating in Ontario and Quebec, which usually pay little regard to federal and provincial regulations, including for packaging, display, and ID requirements. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has found that contraband tobacco, like that sold at smoke shacks, finances the illegal activities of more than 175 criminal gangs, including guns, drugs, and human smuggling.

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?We are always asking that government take strong action against contraband tobacco,? said Grant. ?Quick action towards this smoke shack is just that. It is important that, in the weeks ahead, the government of Manitoba continues to be vigilant in ensuring contraband does not reappear at the store. We also hope that other jurisdictions will follow their lead.?

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The smoke shop re-opened yesterday with a fresh stock of contraband cigarettes.

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Content Subject: International

Formatted Article Date: November 18, 2011

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