Cigarette Shortage Leaves Protestors In Foul Mood

Source from:  Pacificmagazine.net November 13, 2008 11/14/2008

Police in New Caledonia on Wednesday used tear gas to prevent a mob of frustrated, tobacco-deprived individuals who tried to forcibly enter a warehouse that contained tons of cigarettes. About 300 members of a consumers association were protesting against a shortage of tobacco products in local retail stores, which has been affecting them since earlier this month. The shortage is caused by a strike currently underway at the local public service's fiscal department. The fiscal services also include the tobacco monopoly. As pressure mounted and that it became virtually impossible to buy a packet of cigarettes, local tobacco consumers have become increasingly irritable. "It's very hard to deal with them, now. I have tried to put a sign on my door, which says we have no more cigarettes. But you're not dealing with customers, here; you're dealing with drugged people looking for their fix. They don't want to hear, they don't want to see, they just come in and they want cigarettes, retailer Corinne Piolet told local television RFO. Since last week, some of the three main tobacco importers have released very little stock, which forced retailers to organize distributions with queuing tobacco-deprived customers very often frustrated only to be allowed one packet per person. Meanwhile, the strike goes on. But on Wednesday, in order to prevent what could possibly turn into violence, New Caledonia's President Harold Martin authorized the direct importation of tobacco products until further notice. The incident on Wednesday was triggered by a special delivery of tobacco to inmates at the local jail, the East Camp. "(The prisoners) have everything and we have nothing," some protesters were shouting. The group tried and somehow managed to force the gates of the main warehouse containing the precious substance. But they were immediately met by a squad of riot police, firing teargas. The crowd dispersed immediately. "We wanted to smoke, but not like this," a smoked out protester said. Enditem