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Brooklyn Woman Defiantly Grows Own Tobacco

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - Tobacco farm in Brooklyn? It's more of a personal crop as one woman gave up big tobacco or little tobacco.

Retired police officer Audrey Silk was sick and tired of the taxes and smoking bans, reports WCBS 880's Sean Adams. So, she sowed some seeds in her own garden in Marine Park.

WCBS 880 Reporter Sean Adams in Brooklyn with the tobacco grower.

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"I decided I wouldn't be victimized by people who were trying to coerce my behavior," said Silk.

When the leaves are droopy and long she cuts, washes, dries, shreds and rolls them.

Her yield? Two crops, 45 cartons and savings of $5,000.

"It is a political message. It is time to say - well, the only way to get satisfaction here is to defy you. If this inspires, that's the message," said Silk.

She fears the next smoking ban will target the home.

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