The Community Advocacy Alliance (CAA) recently highlighted a significant issue facing our society: the interconnectedness of illicit drug trade and illegal tobacco sales. Both these activities considerably enrich criminal elements while exposing weaknesses in government strategies aimed at curbing these issues. The CAA points out that reducing or removing the excise on cigarettes and tobacco could strike a significant blow to the criminal underworld by disrupting their profit-making model, which has flourished under current taxation policies.
- Warns against strict vaping laws potentially pushing minors towards black markets and crime.
- Suggests strategic marketing campaigns to reduce demand, similar to successful Quit and Sun Smart programs.
- Critiques enforcement-only approaches and advocates for a comprehensive strategy including Prevention, Enforcement, Treatment, and Rehabilitation (PETR).
- Recommends lowering tobacco taxes as a short-term measure to disrupt illicit trade while potentially increasing legitimate sales and tax revenue.
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