Thread: NC: Deputies Uncover Cigarette Smuggling Ring

Sheriff: Deputies Uncover Cigarette Smuggling Ring
2 Arrested, Held On Related Charges

POSTED: 10:09 am EST March 3, 2010
UPDATED: 10:14 am EST March 3, 2010

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. -- Authorities in Iredell County said Wednesday they may have uncovered a cigarette smuggling operation.

More

Deputies said a Lincoln Navigator was stopped on Interstate 77 Monday morning for a traffic violation. While a deputy was writing a ticket, the deputy noticed a large number of black boxes in trash bags in the back seat of the vehicle.

After receiving permission to search the vehicle, deputies discovered 16 cases of cigarettes with each case containing about 30 cartons.

The driver told deputies that he bought the cigarettes for $10,000 in Statesville and was taking them to New Jersey, deputies said.

Because transporting cigarettes isn't illegal in North Carolina, deputies contacted Virginia State Police, who pulled the vehicle over again once the driver reached Virginia.

The driver and passenger, who weren't identified since the investigation hasn't been completed, were arrested on charges of transporting untaxed cigarettes across state lines.

Deputies said they were being held without bond until their residency status was determined.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents said the cigarettes could have been sold in the New York/New Jersey area for around $90 per carton, netting the suspects a $33,200 profit.

http://www.wxii12.com/news/22726913/detail.html

Wow! $90 per carton. Glad I quit. That is nine bucks a pack.

Looks like these suspected illegals were buying smokes at 2 bucks a pack and selling them for almost 9

W