JTI understands the consequences of cheap, illegal cigarettes. That’s why we’re committed to taking a stand against the illegal trade.

In his 33 years as a law enforcement officer, Steve Wilkins was sworn to protect public safety. Directing JTI’s European anti-illicit trade operations, Steve brings that sense of dedication and duty to stopping the illegal trade in tobacco products. Steve’s law enforcement expertise forms part of a dedicated anti-illegal tobacco team which helps JTI and the authorities prevent criminals from trading in cheap, illegal tobacco.

“At JTI I investigate the illegal tobacco trade. I’m seeing the same criminal gangs I saw when I was in law enforcement,” says Steve. “Illegal tobacco and cigarettes are just another commodity to these gangs. They’ll deal in drugs, people, weapons, fake medicine – anything that can make them money and help further their crimes.”

Combating the illegal trade in tobacco products is one area where JTI and the WHO frequently see eye-to-eye. Steve shares his thoughts about the impacts illegal tobacco has on communities based on what he’s seen in the streets from his time as a police officer and now as an investigator for JTI.

"In 2014, JTI supplied information that led to the seizure of roughly one billion cigarettes, the arrests of criminals from organized crime groups and the dismantling of illegal cigarette factories"

Steve Wilkins, Director of Anti-Illicit Trade

Illegal trade allows youth access to tobacco products

“Illicit tobacco products hook young people into tobacco experimentation and use because they are more affordable. Such illicit products also mislead young tobacco users by not displaying health warnings and sometimes involving children in illegal selling activities.” – WHO*

“Criminals and organized criminal gangs are selling minors cigarettes – they’ll sell to all comers, unlike honest retailers. Our investigations have also found situations where criminal gangs use children to sell or transport illegal cigarettes,” says Steve. “The gangs know children will not be arrested, so these kids are exploited and used as pawns by the criminals. This is just one example of the dark truths behind cheap, illegal tobacco. The illegal trade invites crime into our communities, harms small businesses and means children can buy tobacco in the back streets. Better enforcement and stiffer penalties are needed.”

Illegal trade cheats everyone

“Illicit trade takes tax revenue away from the Government, which could have otherwise been spent on the provision of public services, instead directing such funds into the hands of criminals. … Members of the public should recognize the adverse health, economic and social impacts of the illicit trade of tobacco products, including the linkages with human trafficking and organized drug crimes.” – WHO*

“Illegal trade cheats everyone: governments, consumers and legitimate businesses,” says Steve. “Nearly $40 billion is lost globally by governments from illegal tobacco. But this isn’t just about governments missing out on tax revenue. Our investigations have found that the money that criminal gangs make from illegal cigarettes is being used to finance drugs, guns and human trafficking. In one operation alone, law enforcement across Europe confiscated 1.5 million illegal cigarettes along with 600 kilograms of cocaine, 200 kilograms of heroin and 30 children who were being trafficked for the sex trade. If people buy cheap, illegal tobacco or cigarettes they are directly supporting criminals and contributing to this problem.”

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JTI helps stop the illegal trade in tobacco products

“Tobacco companies have been known to use loopholes in tobacco control governance systems and indulge in the illicit trade of tobacco products. … A further area of research is the active role the tobacco industry plays in supporting the illicit tobacco trade.” – WHO*

“The naivety of anti-tobacco lobbyists and NGOs is actually creating an environment for criminals to thrive, driving up the market for cheap, illegal cigarettes. The illegal trade hurts our business and undermines our brands. We have nothing to gain by being involved in the illegal trade,” says Steve. “Our focus is to ensure that our products do not end up in the hands of criminals, and that we protect our most valuable assets: our brands and trademarks. This is why we share information with police and customs so that they can stop the criminal gangs behind the illegal trade. In 2014, JTI supplied information led to the seizure of roughly one billion illegal cigarettes, the arrests of criminals from organized crime groups and the dismantling of illegal cigarette factories. Without JTI, law enforcement would be left without one of its biggest allies and sources of information.”

“Law enforcement will tell you that ostracizing tobacco companies like JTI from discussions about how best to stop the illegal trade is dangerous to their personnel and to society in general. The public needs to stop and listen to law enforcement officials who have no political agenda or aspirations. Law enforcement is charged with protecting its citizens, and very much want to continue receiving support from JTI.” 

Illegal trade needs further research

“Academic institutions can undertake additional research on the subject of the illicit trade of tobacco products to further document its harmful impacts, as well as the benefits to health, State finances and the control of criminal activities of curbing the trade of illicit tobacco products.” – WHO*

“Information is the lifeblood of good law enforcement,” says Steve. “Additional research into the illegal trade is necessary, especially research which focuses on proven, real-world measures to combat smuggling (such as implementing interoperable global track-and-trace systems). JTI stands ready to help. Proactive engagement is a cornerstone of JTI’s approach to combating illegal tobacco.” 

*WHO, World No Tobacco Day 2015: Stop illicit trade of tobacco products, available at: www.who.int/campaigns/no-tobacco-day/2015/event/en/

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