Colledge JW

Language: English
References: 8
Page: 289-292
PDF size: 161.91 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Objective. To provide a brief history of the illicit tobacco trade between Mexico and the United States. Materials and methods. Research included a previously published study: “Cigarette taxes and smuggling: A statistical analysis and historical review”, published by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy; US Customs and Border Protection data; various US court documents; General Accountability Office reporting; media reports; other historical material, and a personal interview. Results. The research revealed that there is no credible evidence of organized criminal activity related to the illicit trade in tobacco products from Mexico into the United States. However, there is clear and convincing evidence of organized criminal activity in smuggling tobacco products from the United States into Mexico for at least 167 years. Conclusion. Historical records from 1845 into the 21st century clearly demonstrate that the United States was usually the source country for tobacco products moving illegally between the two countries.

REFERENCES

1. Lafaive M, Fleenor P, Nesbitt T. Cigarette Taxes and Smuggling: A Statiscal Analysis and Historical Review, Mackinac Center for Public Policy, Midland, Michigan, 2 December 2008, Internet, [accessed: 30 October 2011]. Available at: http://www.mackinac.org/10005.

2. Duty-free exemption, Gifts, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 14 June 2011, Internet, [accessed: 30 October 2011]. Available at: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/454/~/duty-free-exemption,-gifts.

3. Lafaive M, Nesbitt T. Cigarette Taxes and Smuggling 2010; An Update of Earlier Research, Mackinac Center for Public Policy, Midland, Michigan, 17 December 2010, Internet, [accessed: 30 October 2011]. Available at: http://www.mackinac.org/14210.

4. Grant US. Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant. 2nd edition: Cambridge MA: Long FB da Capo Press, 2001: 28-29.

5. Affidavit for Search and Seizure Warrant, 9 January 1995, Internet, [accessed: 31 October 2011]. Available at: http://projects.publicintegrity.org/docs/Tobacco/tob_affidavit_1.pdf.

6. Wilson K. “The Guy in A Wheelchair; How an El Paso Smuggler Moved A Half-Billion Cigarettes Across America,” Center for Public Integrity, Washington, DC, 20 October 2008, Internet, [accessed: 31 October 2011]. Available at: http://www.publicintegrity.org/investigations/tobacco/articles/entry/715/.

7. United States of America, Plaintiff, v. Jorge Abraham, also known as (aka): George, aka: Jorge Abraham Garcia, et al., EPO03CR2294, Filed 2003 DEC 11 PM 1:50, United States District Court Western District of Texas.

8. General Accountability Office. “Cigarette Smuggling; Federal Law Enforcement Efforts and Seizures Increasing.” Washington, DC: General Accountability office, 2004, Report 04-641.