Biden Admin Lacks Strategy to Stop Hezbollah’s Gain from Menthol Cigarette Ban
The Biden Administration’s Menthol Cigarette Ban Raises Concerns About Terrorist Financing
The Biden administration is facing criticism for not having a plan in place to prevent Hezbollah from capitalizing on its proposed menthol cigarette ban. Lawmakers and experts warn that this ban could create a black market that would enrich the Iran-backed terror group and Mexican drug cartels.
As the FDA considers banning mentholated cigarettes, which are smoked by around 40 percent of adults, lawmakers have been urging federal authorities to develop contingency plans to stop Hezbollah and its cartel partners from smuggling black market cigarettes into the United States.
However, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) have not shown any signs of developing strategies to combat the emerging black market for menthol cigarettes. This trade is expected to generate millions in profit, with terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas already involved in illegal cigarette trafficking.
Lawmakers, including Rep. Jim Banks, have expressed concerns about the national security risks posed by the ban. They have called on the Biden administration to pause the ban until federal agencies can demonstrate a plan to combat black market sales. So far, the administration has not responded to these inquiries or addressed concerns about terrorism financing.
CBP and ATF spokespersons have declined to comment on the proposed rule, with the ATF citing Department of Justice policy. This lack of response has raised alarm among experts and analysts who fear that the Biden administration is ill-prepared to deal with the potential increase in illicit cigarette smuggling.
Richard Goldberg, an analyst and former member of the White House National Security Council, highlights the risks of an open border and the potential for Hezbollah to establish massive cigarette trafficking networks in America. Rep. Mark Green also warns that Hezbollah will take advantage of the new black market to fund their activities.
Given Hezbollah’s history in the illicit cigarette trade, including a previous $8 million smuggling operation, concerns about their involvement in the proposed menthol cigarette ban are valid. Iran’s increased presence in Latin America further amplifies these concerns.
Lawmakers in both the House and Senate, such as Reps. Andrew Garbarino and Jared Moskowitz, as well as Sen. Tom Cotton, have been leading efforts to halt the menthol ban. They argue that it could provide a significant revenue stream for terrorist organizations and finance their nefarious activities.
Why does the potential collaboration between Hezbollah and Mexican drug cartels, in profiting from the demand for menthol cigarettes, raise concerns about terrorist financing and the destabilization of the United States and neighboring countries?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have not announced any specific measures to combat potential smuggling activities related to the menthol cigarette ban. This lack of action has raised concerns among lawmakers and experts who fear that the ban could inadvertently contribute to the financing of terrorist groups.
Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based militant group backed by Iran, has long been engaged in various illegal activities to fund its operations. These activities include drug trafficking, money laundering, and smuggling. By prohibiting menthol cigarettes, which are particularly popular among certain demographics, the Biden administration risks creating a lucrative black market for these products.
Mexican drug cartels, known for their involvement in drug smuggling and other criminal enterprises, could seize the opportunity to expand their operations and profit from the demand for menthol cigarettes. The potential collaboration between Hezbollah and Mexican drug cartels raises concerns about the flow of funds to terrorist organizations and the destabilization of both the United States and its neighboring countries.
Lawmakers argue that the Biden administration should consider the unintended consequences of the menthol cigarette ban and implement comprehensive strategies to address potential terrorist financing and smuggling activities. These strategies would involve coordination between federal agencies such as the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and the FDA to monitor and prevent illicit trade and criminal networks from exploiting the ban.
Furthermore, experts emphasize the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorist financing. Strengthening partnerships with countries affected by Hezbollah’s activities, such as Lebanon and Mexico, is crucial to disrupt their financing networks and dismantle their operations.
In light of these concerns, lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to prioritize national security and implement necessary measures to mitigate the risks associated with the menthol cigarette ban. They argue that a comprehensive approach, inclusive of intelligence gathering, law enforcement cooperation, and public-private partnerships, is necessary to counter any potential threat to U.S. national security posed by terrorist financing.
It is crucial that the Biden administration addresses these concerns promptly and develops robust plans to prevent terrorist groups and drug cartels from exploiting the menthol cigarette ban. By doing so, the administration can demonstrate its commitment to both public health and national security and ensure that its policies do not inadvertently contribute to the financing of terrorism or criminal activities.
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