A press release issued by the USA Illegal Trade Alliance (USA-IT) following their second annual national summit calls on Congress to implement new policies to combat illegal trade, including counterfeiting, smuggling, organized retail theft, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
During the summit's opening ceremony, US Congressman Bennie Thompson stated that "illegal trade not only harms our business and economy, but also poses health and safety risks to consumers and even undermines our security. When the government and private sector work together, we can be more effective in combating illegal trade. This is to protect all of America.
Kristin Reif, Director of Government Relations at PMI International, spoke at the summit, stating, "After over a decade of fighting against these organizations, I have witnessed firsthand the severe consequences of seemingly harmless illegal tobacco and nicotine products such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. But criminals not only traffic one commodity, they traffic anything that can earn them a dollar, whether it be luxury wallets or drugs, even human trafficking. This is why USA-IT exists. It brings together many stakeholders so that we can bring this pervasive issue to the attention of legislators and better address the threat of illicit trade.
The summit comprises five panel discussions involving representatives from corporations, law enforcement agencies, academia, and policy experts.
USA-IT was established in June 2021 and is now operating in 15 states facing issues related to illegal trade. The organization provides information and training programs for local officials and law enforcement agencies, while also raising public awareness about issues related to illegal trade.
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