The Biden administration’s push to ban menthol cigarettes is raising alarm bells as it is predicted to create a highly profitable black-market trade, ultimately benefiting terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah, which are backed by Iran, according to a Republican senator.
Since May 2022, the Biden administration has been advocating for a proposal that would eliminate menthol-flavored cigarettes from stores across America. It is worth noting that around 40 percent of adult smokers prefer menthol cigarettes, with a particular preference among black Americans, as reported by the American Lung Association.
However, with the menthol market still thriving, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) efforts to enforce a complete ban are expected to give rise to a massive black market, involving Mexican cartels and various terrorist groups such as al Qaeda, Hamas, and Hezbollah. In light of this, Senator Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) has written a letter to multiple federal agencies, seeking information on their strategies to combat potential terrorism financing.
“The FDA’s proposed rule to ban menthol cigarettes would enable terrorist organizations like Hezbollah to generate millions of dollars from the illicit trade of menthol cigarettes, using the profits to fund their terrorist activities. This poses a significant national security threat to the United States,” Cotton wrote in the letter, as obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
In 2009, Congress determined that “Hezbollah, Hamas, al Qaeda, and other terrorist organizations have profited from trafficking in illegal cigarettes or counterfeit cigarette tax stamps.”
Cotton’s letter emphasizes that “terrorist organizations, working with cartels, profit from black market cigarettes and use those profits to finance their terrorist activities.”
The FDA acknowledged in its proposed rule that the “removal of menthol cigarettes from the marketplace could result in some people seeking menthol cigarettes through the illicit trade market.”
While the FDA downplayed the potential for cigarette trafficking as a result of the ban, the Obama administration concluded in 2015 that cigarette smuggling is a “low risk, high-reward criminal activity,” allowing traffickers to make millions with minimal risk of detection or severe penalties.
Cotton argues that this determination further supports the notion that a menthol ban would enrich cartels and their terrorist partners, providing them with the necessary funds to carry out terror attacks in the Middle East, including against Israel, which is currently engaged in a conflict with Hamas and its Iranian supporters.
In his letter, Cotton seeks clarification on whether the FDA consulted with the Justice Department and federal law enforcement agencies prior to proposing the rule. This would shed light on the Biden administration’s preparedness to tackle the potential emergence of a black-market trade in menthol cigarettes.
The senator also questions whether the Justice Department conducted an assessment on the potential impact of a menthol ban on the illicit cigarette trade. Additionally, it remains unclear whether the department evaluated the potential consequences of the proposed ban on the activities of international terrorist organizations, as stated in Cotton’s letter.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in the House of Representatives have also expressed concerns about the possibility of terrorist groups capitalizing on the menthol ban.
Representatives Andrew Garbarino (R., N.Y.) and Jared Moskowitz (D., Fla.) urged the FDA to reconsider the rule in November, highlighting that ”Hezbollah is a leader in the illicit cigarette trade—not halfway around the world but right here in the Western Hemisphere.” They further emphasized the ties between Hezbollah, Mexican drug cartels, and the potential for the proposed FDA rule to create a substantial revenue stream for this Hamas-affiliated foreign terrorist organization.
What potential impact could a complete ban on menthol cigarettes have on law-abiding businesses and legal manufacturers?
Et smuggling, Cotton argued that there is evidence to suggest that terrorist organizations are involved in the illicit tobacco trade as well. He urged federal agencies to take this threat seriously and develop comprehensive strategies to combat terrorism financing through the black-market trade of menthol cigarettes.
Furthermore, the Republican senator highlighted the impact of the ban on law-abiding businesses and legal manufacturers. Cotton expressed concerns that a complete ban on menthol cigarettes would lead to job losses and financial hardships for these entities.
The proposed ban on menthol cigarettes has drawn strong opposition from advocacy groups and civil liberties organizations. They argue that such a ban would disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly black Americans who have higher rates of menthol cigarette use. Critics argue that the ban would criminalize a product primarily consumed by a specific demographic, thereby perpetuating systemic inequalities and potentially fueling racial tensions.
Opponents of the ban also point out that prohibition has historically proved ineffective in curbing the consumption of banned substances. Instead, it often creates a lucrative black market and increases criminal activity. They argue that a better approach would be to prioritize education, prevention, and smoking cessation programs that specifically target communities disproportionately affected by smoking-related illnesses.
The concerns raised by Senator Cotton underscore the potential unintended consequences of the menthol cigarette ban. While the goal of reducing smoking rates and improving public health is commendable, it is crucial to carefully consider the wider ramifications of such a policy. Ensuring the effectiveness of strategies to combat terrorism financing and addressing the concerns of law-abiding businesses and affected communities should be integral parts of any regulatory decisions made by the FDA and other relevant agencies.
In conclusion, the proposal to ban menthol cigarettes, while well-intentioned, raises valid concerns about the creation of a thriving black-market trade that can benefit terrorist organizations. Senator Cotton’s letter emphasizes the need for federal agencies to address this potential national security threat and develop comprehensive strategies to combat terrorism financing. Balancing public health objectives with the unintended consequences of prohibition is crucial to ensure that regulatory decisions effectively address the underlying issues without exacerbating other challenges.
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