By Heather Killen

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

Members of the public are invited to attend a lunch meeting at Middleton town hall on January 16 to talk about the cost of contraband smokes.

Only a small group of individuals are profiting because people can’t afford to pay the regular price of cigarettes being charged at the corner store, according to Corporal David Fraser of the RCMP.

While smokers may think they’re getting more bang for their buck, they’d be blown away by what they’re actually smoking, he said.

Aside from the federally approved arsenic and formaldehyde compounds offered in store-bought smokes, cheaper black market cigs offer users the benefit of non-regulated additives.

“You just don’t know what you’re smoking,” said Corporal Fraser. “It’ s a substandard product they are selling.”

News articles last year from British Columbia listed that things like insect eggs and dead flies; mould and human feces often turned up in contraband tobacco.

Corporal Fraser added that he thinks the general public should be aware of the ways everyone suffers because of the profiteering of a few.

“Crack is another problem,” he said. “They are selling such dangerous and addictive compounds that people are willing to commit other crimes to support their addictions.”

Other topics likely to be discussed will include ways that businesses can prevent thefts and robberies; credit card fraud and other scams.

Corporal Fraser said he planned to keep the lunch meeting very informal and will be available to answer any questions, or concerns the public brings forward.

“I think this is a perfect venue to introduce myself to the community, and make myself available in a relaxed setting,” he said.

“There are a number of topics we can cover, depending on the interests of the people who attend.”

Diane Axent, community economic development officer for the Town of Middleton said that she is pleased that Corporal Fraser is available to meet with the community and talk about some of the police work that is taking place.

She added that her office hosts about eight business luncheons a year at town hall for small business owners to meet and discuss business and marketing strategies.

It’s also an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to keep up to date on initiatives and networking opportunities within the local economy.

The brown bag meetings begin at noon and run until about 1:30 p.m. Light snacks are provided.

Dustin O’Leary, marketing director for Destination Southwest Nova Scotia will be guest speaker at the February 20 meeting to discuss marketing opportunities for local business in the upcoming tourism season.

In the event of inclement weather on either date, the regular lunch meeting will be held on the following Wednesday.

For more information call 825-5500.