Illegal cigarettes hit newsagents and line pockets of paramilitaries

10.28.37am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 15th Aug 2007

Alliance chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has called for the authorities to further clamp down on the sale of illegal cigarettes stating that this trade hits local shops hard and often fills the coffers of paramilitaries. His comments come as it was revealed that local shops lose up to 20 thousand pounds every year because of the illegal tobacco trade.

Opposition MLA, Mr McCarthy said: "The authorities need to do more to clamp down on the illegal cigarette trade because it often lines the pockets of paramilitary thugs.

"Unfortunately buying illegal cigarettes is often too much of a temptation for many people, because they are cheaper than shop price. People need to think about where their cash is going to before they buy from these rogue traders. I am sure many would be disturbed to know that their cash may be filling paramilitary coffers.

"Ideally people should do think about giving up smoking altogether, but if they choose to do so they should avoid illegal sales."

ENDS