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Tobacco Shipments to Resume to Soldiers Overseas

By AP

Washington D.C. – The U.S. Postal Service says it plans to resume shipping care packages with cigarettes and other tobacco to soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A law aimed at preventing smuggling had unintentionally banned families from sending tobacco to military members serving overseas. Spokesman Greg Frey says the Postal Service is planning to issue new instructions that could allow shipments to resume as soon as August 27th.

The Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act of 2009 quietly took effect June 29th. The law says tobacco must be sent by Express Mail, which requires a signature for delivery. But Express Mail delivery isn't available for most overseas military addresses.