Closing arguments have begun in a CAD 17.8 billion (EUR 12.6 billion) class-action suit on behalf of smokers who accuse tobacco companies of marketing a harmful product and concealing the health effects, the Canadian Press reported.

Defendants are Imperial Tobacco Canada, Rothmans, Benson & Hedges and JTI-Mcdonald, the wire service said. Their defence in the two-year trial has been to deny conspiracy to hide dangers of cigarette smoking that have been common knowledge for decades.
Two suits filed in 1998 were consolidated into the current case on behalf of roughly 1 million Quebec smokers, Canadian Press said. Final arguments in Quebec Superior Court are expected to last several weeks. When Justice Brian Riordan will render a verdict is open.