Before I repeat the objective and discouraging facts (and I have already done this more than once), I will give dry figures: the auditors of the Accounts Chamber revealed the losses of the Russian budget from the illegal cigarette market in excess of 300 billion rubles over the past five years.
The main beneficiaries who vacuum up these billions are Belarusian tobacco producers and smugglers - often the same people.
If it wasn’t for subversive activities against our country, I would joke that my every text, apparently, inspires these pirates of the 21st century to new feats.
Our ally has already occupied more than 50% of the Russian counterfeit tobacco market.
The Russian authorities systematically fight against smoking by raising excises.
The high price of cigarettes should reduce the circle of their consumers, so that cigarettes become less affordable.
But the more expensive legal cigarettes, the more attractive our market is for cheap smuggling from neighboring countries.
Belarusian tobacco for 60 rubles - this is "give me back my 2007".
Of course, these cigarettes have their own buyers - especially in poor Russian regions.
He sponsors businessmen from the union state.
Let me remind you: nine out of ten outlets that sell cheap contraband will freely sell cigarettes to minors.
The seller who sells leftist cigarettes puts profit at the forefront.
He doesn't care who buys those cigarettes.
Teenagers, on the other hand, often look at the price, which means that cheap contraband makes smoking more attractive.
The campaign to reduce cigarette consumption - one of the strategic goals of our country - is being thwarted by illegal immigrants.
This is a nationwide sabotage that must be stopped decisively and harshly.
Synchronization of excises is one of the effective tools.
Otherwise, even at a price of 1 thousand rubles per pack, there will be no effect from the fight against smoking.
Unless the Belarusian bosses will become even richer, because they will replace all legal products in our country.
The problem is over five years old.
It's getting worse.
It's time to finally deal with it.
The point of view of the author may not coincide with the position of the editors.