Report: Tax-Free Cigarettes Funding Terrorists
A congressional subcommittee begins hearings this week on a report suggesting that the continued sale of tax-free cigarettes on Indian reservations in Western New York has been used as a way to raise money for Hamas, Hezbollah and Al Qaeda.
The study says that in many cases, active smuggling rings are used to supply tax-free cigarettes from the Seneca Nation to convenience stores in the New York City Area. As proof of the downstate demand for tax free cigarettes, the report also includes a New York Post display ad for a Salamanca smoke shop selling online.
Law enforcement officials in New York State estimate that well-organized cigarette smuggling networks generate between $200,000-$300,000 a week.
The study says that in many cases, active smuggling rings are used to supply tax-free cigarettes from the Seneca Nation to convenience stores in the New York City Area. As proof of the downstate demand for tax free cigarettes, the report also includes a New York Post display ad for a Salamanca smoke shop selling online.
Law enforcement officials in New York State estimate that well-organized cigarette smuggling networks generate between $200,000-$300,000 a week.
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