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ILLICIT CIGARETTES
WE ALL FACE
THE CONSEQUENCES

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NOW THAT YOU KNOW, WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Only buy legal cigarettes if you are an adult smoker; don’t buy illegal cigarettes. You now know that it directly supports organized crime and endangers your community.

Only sell legal cigarettes if you’re a retailer; don’t stock or sell illegal cigarettes. It undermines your industry, fuels organized crime and hurts the economy.

WE ALL FACE THE CONSEQUENCES.

Should more be done to stop the growth of the criminal economy?

No Yes

Do you think excessive taxes on legal cigarettes are fueling the illicit industry?

No Yes

Should politicians be doing more to tackle this issue?

No Yes
Confirm my answer

And remember, when it comes to illicit cigarettes, we ALL face the consequences.

THE
CONSEQUENCES

In Alberta, possessing or selling illicit cigarettes can lead to serious legal texturesmall troubles that could cost you and your community more than you bargained for.

It’s time to shed light on the dangers of this illegal trade, because awareness is the first step to being part of the solution.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Whether you buy them from a First Nations "smoke shack," a friend, or a retail clerk, if you do not have a registered status, possessing unstamped tobacco is illegal under both federal and provincial laws. Where and how you get them doesn't change the law. Source

Consequences

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MORE THAN YOU
BARGAINED FOR

Are you a consumer thinking about buying illicit cigarettes? Under Alberta law, possession of illicit or unstamped tobacco products can result in fines of up to $10,000 and 30 days in jail for a first offence, and up to $30,000 and 6 months in prison for subsequent offences.

Source
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FUNDING CRIMINAL
ORGANIZATIONS

The sale of illicit cigarettes funds approximately 175 criminal organizations in Canada, which use the money to fund other illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and human trafficking.

Behind every contraband cigarette is a chain of crime: from cartel violence to human trafficking at home.

Source
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DEFUNDING ALBERTA’S
ECONOMY

Alberta loses $102 million per year in tax revenue from illegal tobacco. Between 2021 and 2023, the province lost a total of $262.6 million, money that could have funded healthcare, education, and social services.

Buying illicit cigarettes costs us all more than you think.

Source

ARE YOU A RETAILER?

WHEN CONSUMERS BUY ILLICIT CIGARETTES

Read this twice: each day, 1.5 corner stores are closing across the country as illicit cigarettes siphon their profits.

Source
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THIS IS WHAT
YOU’RE FACING

WHEN RETAILERS SELL ILLICIT CIGARETTES

Selling illicit or unstamped tobacco products carries hefty penalties. Under the Tobacco Tax Act, businesses can face fines of up to $20,000 for a first offence and up to $50,000 for subsequent convictions. Under federal law, serious offences can lead to fines of up to $1 million and prison terms of up to 5 years. Still see cheap tobacco as a business with no consequences?

Source
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THIS IS WHAT
YOU’RE FACING
legal illegal
LEGAL VS ILLEGAL CIGARETTES:

textureSEE THE
DIFFERENCE

Legal cigarettes are only sold in plain packaging with prominent health warnings and tax stamps. Cigarettes in colourful packaging and without a tax stamp are illegal.

READY TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD?

First, let's test your knowledge.

MYTH VS REALITY

WHICH OPTION REFLECTS REALITY?

Option A

Possessing or selling illicit or unstamped cigarettes is illegal and could lead to fines.

Select
Option B

There are no penalties for buying illegal cigarettes, only for selling them.

Select

Question 1/3

FAQ

How do I recognize illicit cigarettes?

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What are the effects on youth?

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How is organized crime involved?

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