Warning over fake brand cigarettes

ONE week after British American Tobacco warned consumers to be on the lookout for fake brand cigarettes circulating in the Cypriot marketplace, another company has come out with the same warning.

Cyprus Trading Corporation Ltd (CTC), the exclusive distributor of Philip Morris in Cyprus, has informed the public that some of their cigarettes are being sold illegally on the island.

A press release released by CTC said, “We are aware of these reports. We take the matter very seriously and are continuously watching developments. We are working closely with the relevant authorities of the government and are waiting for the completion of the government investigation.

“CTC is continuously evaluating the market and working to ensure the authenticity and quality of Philip Morris cigarettes in Cyprus. We want to ensure our customers only buy high quality cigarettes, which is what they expect to be buying. To do this we take whatever steps are necessary and take suitable legal advice. Customers should be very careful and should bear in mind any negative side effects if they buy cigarettes from non-traditional outlets.

“CTC have asked retailers to exercise caution when purchasing cigarettes, which they sell on to consumers. People who believe they are in possession of illegal Philip Morris cigarettes or who have recently purchased these cigarettes at suspiciously low prices should call 22-741134.”

But when questioned in detail on where the cigarettes have come from, how many cigarettes are affected, where they are being sold and who is bringing them in and from where, CTC would only say, “we do not have this type of information.”