The Cairo and Giza Tobacco Merchants Association submitted a proposal to the Cabinet Sunday to legalize the use and trade of hash, arguing the measure could prove an effective means to reduce the state budget deficit within a few years, according to Al-Masry Al-Youm. In a statement on its Facebook page, association head Osama Salama said he submitted the proposal to the Legislative Reform Committee headed by Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab. “We urge the state to use the ‘forbidden fruit’ rule,” said Salama explaining that “imposing 10 taxes on hash sales could generate EGP 5 billion ($700 million) in state revenues every year.” In a phone call with The Cairo Post Monday, Salama suggested the revenues would be directed for the public interest. “The government may use this amount to improve health or education sectors, infrastructure, or however they please,” Salama said. He suggested that during the next 10 years, the government could impose a 50 percent tax on this trade through a long-term strategy. “According to official reports, the volume of drug industry in Egypt is estimated at 45 billion EGP with more than 40 million drug users across…
