Contraband And Youth

Contraband is any substance (tobacco or alcohol) that is obtained through illegal means.
In recent years, the use of contraband products has received increased attention in our province. Growing societal acceptance of the use of contraband products has brought about a variety of legal, economic, health, and personal hardships. Several prevention initiatives are in place by police, concerned community groups, and government departments to raise awareness around the hazards of buying and selling contraband products, but there is still much work to be done.

The buying and selling of contraband products to youth in this province is an issue of concern. According to the results of the 1996 Newfoundland and Labrador Student Drug Use Survey (SDUS), 39% of young people in grades 7, 9, 10, and 12 are using tobacco products. The results of this survey also show that 57% of students in these grades are consuming alcohol.

Tobacco and alcohol products are illegal substances for youth to consume under the age of 19.

Tobacco
Contraband Tobacco is any product bought or sold that does not display a warning label.

• contraband cigarettes are cheaper to purchase than those bought in a store
• there is an increase in the accessibility and availability of contraband tobacco
• it is illegal for minors to be in possession of tobacco, whether it is contraband or not
• the chance of addiction to tobacco is increased the earlier youth begin using
• tobacco is a gateway drug, meaning it's use may lead to experimentation and regular use of other drugs such as alcohol, cannabis, and other illegal substances
• there is a fine for youth over the age of twelve years who possess or sell tobacco products

Alcohol
Contraband Alcohol is:

• alcohol that is sold in its original container for less than one would pay if purchased in a licensed outlet; or
• substances that are sold as alcohol in unmarked containers.
  • in a contraband alcohol product, the potency and the potential level of contamination is unknown
  • as proper labels are not used, it's impossible to know the content of the contraband product being sold
  • contraband alcohol is easy to purchase and readily available
  • contraband alcohol is less expensive than a store bought product
  • when purchasing contraband alcohol products there are no controls in place to protect the consumer......the "bootlegger" doesn't care what happens to the person after they buy their substance
  • the earlier youth begin to use alcohol, the greater the chance of harmful involvement and addiction

Consequences
There are many consequences associated with using contraband alcohol or tobacco products. There are health and safety issues (product control measures are not in place); financial issues (the provincial economy suffers); legal issues (if apprehended, a criminal record, steep fines, or a jail term may be issued); and personal consequences such as the loss of personal property, family breakdown, or job loss.

                    Make contraband use less acceptable!
                                      
                    Take pride in our community!
                                      
                    Support local enforcement efforts!
                                      
                    Don't purchase illegal products!

The following activities are suggested as ways to raise awareness around this issue:

1. Introduce the topic of contraband use to the class. Show the video "Contraband and Society" and discuss.
   The 1996 video "Contraband and Society" as produced by the RCMP in Newfoundland is available by contacting the RCMP or Addictions Services.
2. Debate the issues around the use of contraband alcohol and tobacco products
   (ie. Should there be tougher controls in place to regulate the buying and selling of alcohol and tobacco products?)
3. Write an essay on contraband use and youth and send it to your local newspaper, post it in the school, or send it along to the local police detachment to show support.
4. Invite an RCMP or RNC Officer in to your youth group or class to discuss contraband use in this province.

For additional information, please contact one of the following Addictions Services Offices.