Tobacco industry wants inquiry into illegal cigarette trade
British American Tobacco SA (BATSA) says it supports the call for a commission of inquiry into the illegal cigarette trade in South Africa.
BATSA says it will also back any proper and comprehensive investigation into the booming criminal trade that continues to cost taxpayers billions of rand in lost revenue.
The call comes after two organisations, Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association and the SA Tobacco Organisation, called for such a probe this weekend.
BATSA says criminal cartels exploited the tobacco sales ban and maintained their grip on the market since the ban was lifted.
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