The federal government announced Friday it will be investing $20 million over the next four years to combat contraband tobacco.
Although there was little in the way of specifics, the government said the new investment will be focused on two key areas -- strengthening tobacco control and curbing the availability of illegal tobacco.
Local MP Guy Lauzon welcomed the announcement and expressed optimism that it will help to further curb the flow of contraband tobacco. Given that the Cornwall area has long been a smuggling hot spot, Lauzon said it's likely some of the funding will be visible in this region.
The MP said the issue of contraband tobacco won't be resolved overnight, but putting additional resources towards the fight will help.
"We're a tough-on-crime government and that's a crime we want to eliminate," he said.
Lauzon said he's confident the government will get value for the money.
"If you have more people trying to resolve a problem you should have better results," he said.
Cpl. Greg Cox, a media relations officer with the RCMP, said it's too soon to tell exactly how the funding will unfold. However, Cox said the RCMP will be working with other law enforcement and government agencies in the coming weeks to determine how to make the best use of the new funds.