The Ontario Korean Businessmen's Association Commends the Harper Government for Additional Measures to Combat Contraband Tobacco

TORONTO, March 27, 2013 /CNW/ - The Ontario Korean Businessmen's Association (OKBA) commends the Government of Canada's announcement in the 2013 Federal Budget to enhance policing measures in the fight against contraband tobacco. The amount of $3 million dollars is allocated to hiring ten police officers in the First Nations Police Services responsible for combatting contraband tobacco. This new policy combined with the recent announcement of adding 50 RCMP officers to the Contraband Tobacco Taskforce and increasing penalties for repeat contraband offenders, are encouraging signs to our 1,700 members that employ over 10,000 people across Ontario.

"The OKBA is very happy to see the Government of Canada follow through on their previous commitments and expand resources in tackling the crime of contraband tobacco which directly affect our businesses and communities in Ontario, but are greatly concerned that the also announced tax increase on manufactured tobacco products (from $2.8925 to $5.3125 per 50 grams) will further increase contraband levels", stated Hyuk Byung Kwon, President of the OKBA.

The OKBA fully supports the federal government's policy commitments and looks forward to continued cooperation and collaboration to fight contraband. The OKBA encourages the federal government to continue to closely monitor contraband levels and are also hopeful that the Ontario government will deliver on its 2012 budget commitments to increase law enforcement measures that would address the contraband problem in the province of Ontario.

SOURCE: Ontario Korean Businessmen's Association

For further information:

Don Cha
General Manager
416.789.7891
doncha@okba.net