While saying inmates have it worse than us folks on the outside is a painfully obvious statement, here's some information to reinforce that fact: in New York City, they pay as much as $200 for a pack of cigs. Smoking in jail was banned by the city a decade ago, leading to a profitable black market. A source told the New York Daily News that one lonely-ass cigarette goes for $30 on average at Riker's Island these days. Think about that the next time you're whining about paying a dollar at most for a loosie.
Gothamist notes that most inmates will probably struggle to pay $200 for a pack of cigarettes, and while that's probably true, we figure they'll find ways. Either that, or kick the habit.
[via Gothamist and New York Daily News]
