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09/10/2002
Tobacco smuggling tops agenda at Tory fringe meeting
Tobacco smuggling is to be discussed at a Conservative Party conference fringe meeting organised by the party's Northern Ireland branch.
Representatives from the Tobacco Alliance, which speaks on behalf of 42,000 retailers, will address party delegates at the meeting in Bournemouth today.
The Conservative Party's Northern Ireland vice chairman, Terry Dick, will also address the meeting to highlight the level of fraud in the province through smuggling and how it is funding paramilitary organisations.
Paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland are believed to be making up to £18 million a year through activities such as smuggling, extortion and armed robbery.
Last November police and Customs officers seized 40 million cigarettes from a ship at Warrenpoint which had been smuggled in by the Real IRA for sale in the British Isles.
Government figures show that smuggling is resulting in the loss of £3.5 billion to the Treasury every year, which is the equivalent of £150 for every household in the UK.
(MB)
Representatives from the Tobacco Alliance, which speaks on behalf of 42,000 retailers, will address party delegates at the meeting in Bournemouth today.
The Conservative Party's Northern Ireland vice chairman, Terry Dick, will also address the meeting to highlight the level of fraud in the province through smuggling and how it is funding paramilitary organisations.
Paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland are believed to be making up to £18 million a year through activities such as smuggling, extortion and armed robbery.
Last November police and Customs officers seized 40 million cigarettes from a ship at Warrenpoint which had been smuggled in by the Real IRA for sale in the British Isles.
Government figures show that smuggling is resulting in the loss of £3.5 billion to the Treasury every year, which is the equivalent of £150 for every household in the UK.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
