Illegal Tobacco Costs Treasury £2.2 Billion a Year as Consumers Fear It’s Fuelling Organised Crime – Guido Fawkes

Illegal Tobacco Costs Treasury £2.2 Billion a Year as Consumers Fear It’s Fuelling Organised Crime

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Freedom-lovers won’t be shocked to learn that the government’s war on smokers is torching more than just cigarettes. According to HMRC’s own figures, illegal tobacco sales are already costing the Treasury a whopping £2.2 billion annually. When the generational smoking ban kicks in, that number is only set to rise…

A new JTI survey shows that 64% of UK are familiar with illegal tobacco, while 81% believe there is not enough enforcement to stop illegal tobacco sales. Over 90% of consumers are alarmed that illicit tobacco trade is fuelling organised crime…

JTI’s Nicky Small said:

“This research clearly demonstrates the concerns of consumers around the illicit sale of illegal tobacco and its impact on communities across the UK. There is a proven link between illegal tobacco and international organised crime groups. The consequences for the taxpayer are significant.”

Meanwhile, the IFS wants tax hikes to plug the gap left by “the predictable disappearance of tax bases for… tobacco duties,” as sales rake in a hefty “£9 billion in the last financial year.” Up in smoke…