Smokers in the Northern Marianas will have to pay some 2 US dollars more for every pack of cigarettes in the next few days as the cigarette excise tax increase of 25 cents per 20 came into effect yesterday.
The Division of Customs Service Director, Jesus Muna, says this came into effect as part of a 2002 law requiring a 25-cent tax increase per pack of cigarettes.
He says wholesalers and stores are expected to also increase their prices.
