WTF with the NCC?

- Paul Tuns, Sobering Thoughts A press release earlier this week noted that:

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The National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco (NCACT) welcomed another new member to its ranks today with the agreement of the National Citizens Coalition to join the fight against the spread of illegal cigarettes in Canada.

How does "fighting the spread of illegal cigarettes" advance the cause of liberty? The NCC, the release states:

[I]s Canada’s largest organization that stands for the defence and promotion of free enterprise, free speech and government that is accountable to taxpayers. Founded in 1967, the NCC continues to fight for more freedom through less government.

According to the NCACT website, the problem with contraband cigarettes is that the market is unregulated and that the products aren't taxed. How does that fit in with the pro-freedom agenda of the NCC? In fact, it seems like quite the contradiction. I understand that there is a cost to society due to the contraband cigarette market and that it is wrong for these cigarettes to end up in the hands of minors (although the "for the children argument" is a favourite tactic of interventionists everywhere). But in no way does this represent the grassroots, small-c conservative base of the National Citizens Coalition. To fight contraband cigarettes the government should lower taxes, but it is hard to find such a call on the NCACT website. That, however, would be an NCC issue. No, the NCACT is about regulation and government intervention under the guise of keeping cigarettes out of the hands of teens and children. I hope that the NCC is being well-funded by the Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers’ Council (the tobacco industry) for its support of the NCACT.