Survey of Ontarians reveals concern over growing problem with illegal cigarettes

 A majority think governments should be doing more to combat tobacco crime

  TORONTO, Aug. 27 /CNW/ - A recent survey of Ontarians shows a growingconcern about the danger posed by illegal cigarettes. A recent Pollara surveyof 802 Ontario residents shows that 64% of respondents believe both thefederal and provincial governments should be doing more to stop this growingcriminal trade.
  "Two things are immediately clear from this survey: many Ontarians don'tthink buying contraband cigarettes is a crime and people who care about thisissue want to see governments doing more," said Dave Bryans, NationalCoalition Against Contraband Tobacco. "Nearly 50% of cigarettes being sold inOntario are illegal and reigning in this problem is no easy task. The tax
losses are now approaching $2 billion each year. Governments need to takedeliberate, coordinated steps to snuff out this crime."

  Other key findings from the survey include:

  - 59% were supportive of more government action based on additionalhealth concerns due to the possible presence of insect eggs, dead flies, mould and human feces in contraband cigarettes
  - 34% of people surveyed think additional law and order approaches to the problem are the best solutions
  - 54% feel dealing with contraband tobacco should be part of a largergovernment strategy on tobacco
  - When asked, 42% believe tobacco taxes should be cut, similar to the federal government decision in 1993, in order to eliminate theillegal market. However 44% oppose such a move.

  The Pollara survey also showed that among smokers, price was asignificant driving force in their purchasing behaviour. 30% of respondentswho were smokers indicated that buying decisions are made primarily based onaffordability. And of those smokers who purchase contraband cigarettes, nearly100% of them do so because of price and would only cease purchasing iflegitimate cigarettes were comparable in price. The study makes it clear that
price is the key driver of contraband cigarette purchasing, and the key reasonwhy smokers could potentially stop purchasing contraband cigarettes.