In Piauí, the volume of smuggled cigarettes grew 16% between 2012 and 2015, according to market data. This is what it points out, a survey by the Datafolha Institute commissioned by the Brazilian Institute for Competitive Ethics (ETCO), in partnership with the National Forum Against Piracy and Illegality (FNCP).

The study reveals that while the sale of the national product fell in a considerable proportion, of the 10 most sold brands in Piauí, at least two are from the illegal market. In addition, the average price of the smuggled pack is R $ 3,20, which represents 64% of the legal minimum price for cigarettes in the legal market.

The Datafolha survey also shows that there is a relationship between the trade in illegal products and the increase in violence. According to a survey, 79% of the population in the Northeast region believes that the sale of irregular products favors the growth of crime. The data show that cigarettes from Paraguay are the largest financier of criminal faction activities.

Source: Portal O Dia (Teresina - PI), 12/11/2016

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