[FOX News] Catherine Herridge - Cigarette smuggling is generating millions of dollars every year that can be reaching terrorist groups, including Hizbullah, Hamas and al-Qaeda, according to a congressional report. A well-organized operation can buy cigarettes tax-free on New York's Indian reservations and sell them at a great profit in the New York City area, generating up to $300,000 per week. According to the report, nearly 60% of all convenience retail outlets in New York City are now Arab-owned, primarily families of Lebanese, Yemeni, Jordanian and Palestinian descent. "This is more than just a matter of lost revenue. It is a matter of national security. Cigarette smuggling in New York State must be brought to an end immediately," said Rep. Peter King (R-NY), the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee.
2008-05-02 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive