In 2020, following a long-term investigation into an individuals cigarette smuggling activity, a process including court-authorized search warrants, wiretaps, grand jury subpoenas, and other investigative tools, New York seized more than $1.3 million in cash and 6,267 cartons of untaxed cigarettes, according to a press release from the Queens District Attorney.[2] A 2023 raid seized more than 1,800 cartons of cigarettes and $155,000 in cash.[3] But even when successful, policing smuggling is costly and only prohibits a drop of water in the East River of smuggling activity
At the same time, there is legislation that some are advocating to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21 the same minimum age when you can legally buy alcohol, walk into a casino, and get a concealed-carry permit in this state
Photo credit: Basil MK, Pexels
In PR materials cited in the article, the industry equated designated smoking areas with Nazi-controlled Jewish ghettos
While medical home-grow laws have taken effect, personal recreational grows are still waiting approval
Are menthol cigarettes available in most smoke shops
