As I predicted: Post-tax hike, cigarette smuggling thriving in Illinois

All I can say is that I predicted it. Illinois' grifter culture can't overlook a chance to make money illegally.

From Fox 32 Chicago:

When Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill adding another dollar a pack to the state's cigarette tax, law enforcement leaders knew they had their hands full.

John Chambers, head investigator for the Illinois Department of Revenue, says cigarette smuggling now rivals illegal drug smuggling, and street gangs are getting involved.

"Keep in mind this is very similar to drug activity, smuggling drugs, and there could be concealed compartments, false floors in the bed of a truck, much like drugs, all packed with cigarettes," Chambers said.

With Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois taxes all included, smokers now pay $4.66 a pack in taxes in Chicago. That's the second-highest cigarette tax in the nation, trailing only New York City at $5.85. People looking to make quick cash don't need to travel far to buy cheap cigarettes. Indiana's tax is just $0.995 a pack, and Missouri's tax is the lowest in the country at just $0.17. Chambers says cigarette smuggling is now as lucrative as drug smuggling, with much lower penalties.

Of course most Illinoisans live in the Chicago area--right next to Indiana.

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