Politicians debate relationship of cigarette taxes, smuggling

The team of police officers that wrestled Eric Garner to the ground last July in Staten Island, N.Y., were arresting him for what seems like a mundane offense: selling illegal cigarettes.

The racially tinged death of Garner puts a fresh spotlight on the little-publicized underworld of cigarette smuggling — and the argument over whether high cigarette taxes deter smoking or simply encourage the illicit trade.

 

 

http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Politicians-debate-relationship-of-cigarette-5936139.php