83 countries of the world gathered in Panama to coordinate the work in eliminating the illegal tobacco trade, which at the global level is estimated to be at the level of 11%, equivalent to 44.7 billion dollars.

Albania has yet to sign this convention, even though the level of smuggling is at extremely high levels.

“According to the official figures accepted by the Albanian government, it is calculated at 30%, while our studies have shown that it is 35-40% illegal trade, 100 million euros we lose from illegal trade, without counting the damage caused to public health”, said Roland Shuperka, expert on tobacco and alcohol.

The introduction of contraband cigarettes into the country, according to expert Roland Shuperka, is one side. The other side is not to control the local product.

“We import 3,000 tons of tobacco every year, Kosovo imports 4,200 and Macedonia 4,100 tons of tobacco every year, and the time has come for the Ministry of Agriculture to be more present in this field, to take measures on how much is produced, how much is planted in order to this illegal trade should also be controlled”, said Roland Shuperka, tobacco and alcohol expert.

Shuperka raises her voice to request that Albania become part of the convention for the elimination of illegal tobacco trade, as the only way to reduce its levels.