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Meet with provincial and federal authorities
The RCMP is getting more involved in the fight against contraband tobacco: in May 2008 they unveiled a national strategy to this end and have devoted a lot of resources to investigations and crackdowns. The Ontario Provincial Police and the Sûreté du Québec have both done their part by creating special units or devoting additional resources in the fight against the illicit trade in tobacco products. In Atlantic Canada, policing and enforcement efforts should be made, including new legislation in NS.
Every week, contraband seizures are announced in every region, even in the most remote areas. The police are doing a lot, but they could be doing more by relying on the public and concerned citizens who may be able to provide useful information for ongoing or new investigations.
MPs motivated to fight contraband tobacco will want to meet early on with main representatives from the police in order to fully grasp the issues at stake and see how things work. They will outline a path for an action plan and figure out how to mobilize more of their resources to better fight and prevent the spread of contraband tobacco.
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