Fighting against tobacco smuggling - it is vital!

The VITAL Project is a joint initiative of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), the  ministère de la Santé et des services sociaux du Québec (MSSS) and the Association des directeurs de police du Québec (ADPQ).

It is an awareness campaign for Montreal's citizens to learn more about the criminal activities generated by tobacco smuggling.

Harmful effects of smuggling

Research clearly shows that Canadians who buy smuggled tobacco do not feel they have broken the law or are unaware that it is illegal!

By the end of 2008, nearly 40% of the cigarettes sold in Quebec were illegal. This smuggled tobacco is a massive source of revenue for the criminal organizations involved that use the huge profits to finance illicit activities, drug trafficking, the sale of weapons and the growth of their networks. 

For youth, smuggled tobacco means increasingly easier access in school yards as contraband cigarette packs cost less than chewing gum!

Studies performed on cigarette butts found in secondary school yards in Quebec shows that a growing number of underage students have access to smuggled tobacco. 

In a study published in 2008, it was shown that approximately 25% of the cigarette butts collected in Ontario were illegal and 35% in Quebec. In fact, smuggling makes tobacco more accessible than ever to youth.

For store owners, it means the loss of a legal and important source of income (30% to 50% of their income comes from the sale of tobacco products) which creates jobs and maintains an essential service to the community. 

If you are witness to the illegal sale of tobacco, call INFO-CRIME at 514 393-1133.

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