Gibraltar signs deal with Spanish tobacco company to unite against smuggling

Exchanging the Memorandum of Understanding. Credit: Gibraltar Government

THE Government of Gibraltar in tandem with HM Customs Gibraltar has signed an agreement with JTI, Japan Tobacco International, to protect the legitimate trade in tobacco products and foster a stable and transparent tobacco market in Gibraltar.

JTI Spain is one of the largest manufacturers and importers of cigarettes and rolling tobacco in Europe and handles such brands as Winston, Camel, Silk Cut, Benson and Hedges, American Spirit, Old Holborn and many more which are popular with smugglers trying to move cigarettes from Gibraltar into Spain.

The Memorandum of Understanding outlines the basis of a cooperation framework that includes the sharing of information and best practices, product authenticity identification and training to HM Customs, Gibraltar on counterfeit recognition.

The signing ceremony took place in the Wessex Lounge of Gibraltar International Airport in the presence of the Hon Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Mr John Rodríguez, Collector of Customs of H.M. Customs Gibraltar and Mr. Tom Osborne, JTI Iberia General Manager and members of the Anti-Illicit Trade Department of JTI.

Both parties agreed that it was important to do all that can be done to eradicate the illicit movement of tobacco which promotes disrespect for the law and disrupts public security.

Written by

John Smith

Married to Ophelia in Gibraltar in 1978, John has spent much of his life travelling on security print and minting business and visited every continent except Antarctica. Having retired several years ago, the couple moved to their house in Estepona and John became a regular news writer for the EWN Media Group taking particular interest in Finance, Gibraltar and Costa del Sol Social Scene. Currently he is acting as Editorial Consultant for the paper helping to shape its future development. Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

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