Philip Morris, local authorities work together to combat illegal tobacco sales

Laws curbing the sale of illegal cigarettes in South-Eastern Poland looks set to become harsher, but for now will only be applied by certain local authorities. The current program between local governments and the tobacco industry to fight cigarette smuggling from the East will not, at present be introduced in other areas. According to Prawo i Gospodarka, the campaign is part of a pilot program and recent understanding between Philip Morris and several local councils in the Lezajsk region. The program introduces stricter regulations in local bazaars, as well more intensive efforts to control cigarette sales in the region. The local authorities announced that they will train law enforcement officers to recognize illegal tobacco products. "We trust that the understanding between Philip Morris and local authorities will significantly increase the chances for success in the fight against the illegal tobacco market," said the Lezajsk authorities' representative Stanislaw Chmura.(Prawo i Gospodarka, p. 10) M.T.K.