ROVINJ FACTORY DENIES ANY CONNECTION WITH TOBACCO SMUGGLING

ZAGREB, Aug 7 (Hina) - The Rovinj Tobacco Factory (TDR) resolutely denies being connected in any way with tobacco smuggling and is the victim rather than the source of smuggling, Plinio Cuccurin, a TDR management board member, told reporters on Monday, commenting on allegations in some media that the Rovinj tobacco producer is linked with the smuggling of TDR cigarettes from Yugoslavia to Croatia. Cigarettes produced by the TDR, bearing the sign "for export only", have started appearing on the Croatian black market. The TDR, it was said at the news conference, exports certain quantities of tobacco to Yugoslavia in line with legal regulations, and all shipments are supervised to the border crossing and every packet of cigarettes bears a stamp with a number by which the foreign buyer can be identified. TDR's business policy is clear, decisive and unambiguous and the factory is not facilitating or supporting tobacco smuggling, Cuccurin said, adding the factory was cooperating with the government and competent bodies in their efforts to prevent unfair tobacco trade. TDR representatives have also announced an extensive analysis, soon to be presented to competent institutions as the factory's contribution to fighting tobacco smuggling. (hina) rml