KINGSTON, Jamaica — Local cigarette distributor Carreras says it is aware of attempts to sell counterfeit Craven ‘A’ cigarettes across the island.

A news release from the company on Tuesday said the counterfeit products are being sold in Kingston and St Andrew, Montego Bay, St James, and in the Linstead/Bog Walk area of St Catherine.

The release said the counterfeit cigarette packs can be identified by a best before date of April 2014 and an accompanying product code with the digits: 870240322154.

The date and code are located on the bottom side panel in black on each cigarette pack, the release added.

“At this time, we strongly advise that customers and consumers check to ensure that Craven A packs purchased do not bear the above-mentioned date and code as persons who choose to sell, purchase or are in possession of the counterfeit product, can be arrested and are liable for prosecution as this is an illegal act which contravenes the provisions of the Trade Marks Act and Copyright Act.

“We also advise our customers that where persons approach your entities with a view to selling these illicit products, we urge you to forward that information to the police,” the company said in the release.

At the same time, Carreras said it would vigorously pursue and/or seek civil remedies (including award of damages) against anyone identified as trading in counterfeit Craven ‘A’ cigarettes.