The Provisionals have been involved in smuggling for years, but not on such a large scale. Until recently, most of their money came from legitimate businesses. One source in south Armagh said that smugglers in the Jonesboro area had been threatened. They were told they couldn't act independently any more. They had to either buy cigarettes from the Provos or else give the Provos a percentage of their profits.
Smuggling is a tradition around here.
Most are not affiliated to any organisation. People are very, very angry about what is happening.