Half Of Cigarettes Sold In Ontario Illegal

November 16, 2009 3:41 p.m. EST

Toronto, Ontario (AHN) - By picking almost 20,000 cigarette butts near 110 high schools last month, the National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco found out 30 percent were illegal. Another study made by the Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers' Council showed that illegal cigarette purchases is highest in Ontario at 48.6 percent, followed by Quebec with 40.1 percent.

Because of the prevalence of illegal cigarette, federal and provincial coffers are deprived of more than $2 billion in revenues annually, while young Canadian gain easier access to nicotine.

In Quebec, based on an analysis of more than 14,000 butts from 75 high schools, the NCACT concluded members of the Canadian Convenience Stores Association lost $115,000 in yearly sales caused by contraband cigarettes.

The NCACT look for distinctive marks on cigarette filter to determine if it is a legal or illegal one. A taxed carton with 200 cigarettes costs $75, while an illegal one could be purchased for $20. Most of the contraband cigarettes are made in First Nations reserves, but are easily available in town and cities across Canada.

Another study made last year by Imperial Tobacco Canada, which is a member of the CTMC, said 83 percent of Canadians identified illegal tobacco sales as a problem, while 45.2 percent believe the federal government should lead in addressing the matter.