Smuggling caused by the usual suspects

Counterfeit cigarettes, which account for 21 percent of the cigarettes smuggled into Oman, cause the country to suffer a revenue loss of nearly OMR3.5 million, according to a story in the Times of Oman citing Euromonitor research.

The research revealed that smuggled cigarettes, which make up about 30 percent of the total market, were bought mainly by people between the ages of 18 and 45, and were in high demand among low-income expatriates.

Taxes and high prices were said to be the most important factors contributing to the high level of smuggling, but it was mentioned, too, that smugglers could expect to make profits of up to 200 percent.

An official at the Royal Oman Police told the Times that there were plans to increase the penalties for smuggling.