Regie reduces fines imposed on illegal trade

Measure aims to increase treasury revenues

The state-owned tobacco monopoly - Regie issued an extraordinary measure reducing the fines imposed on illegal tobacco trade by 50 to 70 percent. The exemptions vary with the amount of the fine due.

Individuals wanted for the possession and trade of smuggled tobacco can now settle their legal status by paying reduced fines to the Regie. Fines are imposed in order to stop illegal tobacco imports from entering the local market. A source at the Regie said: “Arrest warrants were issued against illegal tobacco traders who have repeated violations worth millions of dollars.”

According to the source, “the Regie has asked the Ministry of Finance to reduce the fines, in order to be able to collect these amounts and refer them to the Treasury.”
The exemption measure is expected to bring in sizeable revenues to the Treasury: “The fine imposed on each kilo of smuggled tobacco reaches $700, and on each kilo of manufactured hookah tombac fine is about $200.” Fined traders can pay their dues at the Regie administration in Hadath.