Cigarette smugglers 'using Ireland'

Ireland remains one of the "preferred destinations" in the EU for cigarette smuggling because of its comparatively high taxes on tobacco, a new report into criminal activity in the union has found.

Europol, the agency that handles criminal intelligence within the union, published its EU Organised Crime Threat Assessment 2011 today.

It covers a wide range of criminal activity, including the drugs trade, illegal immigration, human trafficking, fraud, counterfeiting, property and environmental crime and weapons trafficking.

NE is 'gateway' for tobacco smugglers

THE NORTHEAST of the State is “a gateway to the UK” for cigarette smugglers, according to the Irish tobacco manufacturers’ group.

Figures from the group show that of the 189 million cigarettes seized in the Republic and in Armagh in 2010, almost 70 million were found at locations in Louth and neighbouring Armagh.

The M1 motorway linking Dublin and Belfast runs through Louth, and the county also has three busy ports – Drogheda, Dundalk and Greenore.

Altria 1Q net rises on higher prices, cost cuts

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Marlboro maker Altria Group Inc.'s first-quarter net income increased 15 percent in on lower costs and higher prices, even though it sold fewer cigarettes.

The owner of the nation's biggest cigarette maker, Philip Morris USA, said Wednesday that it earned $937 million, or 45 cents per share, for the period ended March 31. That's up from $813 million, or 39 cents per share, last year.

Excluding one-time items, earnings were 44 cents per share, matching analyst estimates.

Idaho Democrats Attempt To Stall Legislature

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho -- Democrats in Boise are sending a strong message to legislative Republicans. They are protesting the House's refusal to schedule a hearing for a proposed tobacco tax.

Democrats are asking that all legislation be read in full, something not typically done. They're hoping to get Republicans to give in and grant a hearing.

One person even said that it took more than three hours to read one bill. Democratic Rep. Brian Cronin said that they want to stall the legislature. All they want to do is simply have the discussion about a possible increased tobacco tax, and they see no reason Republicans won't grant their wish.

Farmers file class-action suit against tobacco company

Several Kentucky farmers have filed a class-action lawsuit against a leading tobacco merchant they say failed to honor contracts to purchase burley tobacco from them at the end of the 2010 crop year.

Now some of the farmers say they would rather leave the business than gamble on tobacco.

The lawsuit, which was filed against Universal Leaf North America last week in Harrison Circuit Court, says hundreds of farmers have lost what amounts to millions.

Among the plaintiffs are Jerry Feagan of Berry, Steve Lang of Cynthiana and Thomas Leach and Larry O'Neill, both of Dry Ridge, who say agents of Universal Leaf North America refused to accept tobacco, the lawsuit says. They are seeking monetary damages to be determined at trial.

Lawmaker proposes tobacco sales ban around schools

A CHINESE lawmaker has said tobacco sales bans around the nation’s schools should be imposed, noting that cigarettes are currently too easy for youngsters to obtain.

Jin Changrong, councilor for the Shanghai Municipal Government and also a judge, said the current laws banning tobacco sales to youngsters were too general and hard to enforce, during the ongoing parliamentary session.

According to law, tobacco can not be sold to people under 18 years old but they can buy it even so, Jin said.

He said there should be a national regulation on a 500-meter radius ban of tobacco from schools, although some local governments have imposed the 50 or 100-meter radius ban from elementary and middle schools.

Jessica Alba pregnant....but still chain smoking tobacco?

Now that Jessica Alba's pregnant with baby #2, will the famously fit actress quit smoking for good? Known for her celebrity butt, the mother of one is also famous for chain smoking and puffing her way through photo shoots and movie sets. Will Jessica Alba finally kick the habit?

In 2008, the 29-year-old Alba and hubby Cash Warren, 32, welcomed baby girl Honor Marie, and while she quit smoking during pregnancy, Alba was quick to light up following the birth of their first daughter. She was seen smoking in France and was photographed chain smoking on the set of "Good Luck Chuck" and throughout her November 2010 covershoot with Elle magazine.