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Seimas Remigijus members Žemaitaitis and Kęstutis Bartkevičius suggest that tobacco companies could provide support to “state institutions or agencies in the fight against smuggling and illegal trade in tobacco and related products.”
The authors of the proposal argue that organized criminal structures are strong and active to profit from illegal activities, and that the state does not have sufficient financial resources to adequately eliminate contraband.
The state generally does not allocate enough money for this.
According to them, customs officials have already detained more than 9 million in the first half of this year. cigarette packets are smuggled, and border guards also regularly release information on the amounts of cigarettes illegally seized.
“If we want to combat smuggling by all possible means, we must give companies that are legally qualified to contribute to that fight.” 15 minutes R.Žemaitaitis said.
According to him, tobacco companies are interested in fighting smuggling because it protects the legal market.
Photo by Žygimantas Gedvila / 15min / Remigijus Žemaitaitis
“The state generally does not allocate enough money for this,” said the politician.
They bought cars, dogs
Tobacco maker Philip Morris watches as this proposal makes its way through the halls of the Seimas.
It has supported state institutions when allowed. A few years ago, this practice was banned in the Seimas.
The funds were used by law enforcement agencies to purchase equipment, cars, dogs, and other tools needed to strengthen the fight against smuggling.
The company says that in 2013-2016, it allocated around 1.3 million LTL to law enforcement agencies in Lithuania. In Estonia in 2014–2018: around 300 thousand. cooperation with the Poles.
“These funds were used by the police authorities to buy equipment, cars, dogs and other equipment necessary to strengthen the fight against smuggling.” 15 minutes said Liudas Zakarevičius, Philip Morris Baltic’s Head of Foreign Affairs for the Baltic States.
According to him, the illegal trade in tobacco products and related crimes harm not only states but also legal producers.
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