March 22, 2004
Ellensburg -
The tobacco tax unit of the
Liquor Control Board recognized Troopers
from the State Patrol for their assistance in seizing untaxed cigarettes
during traffic stops.
On November 23, 2002, Trooper M. Sterkel of the Ellensburg office
arrested an individual for driving with a suspended license. Upon
search of the vehicle, the trooper found 3,450 packs of untaxed
cigarettes. The amount of unpaid state cigarette tax was $4,916.25.
On December 22, 2003, Trooper Bart Olson of the Ellensburg office
observed cartons of cigarettes in the back of a van while issuing a
traffic citation. The driver agreed to show Trooper Olson the
cigarettes, which were determined to be unstamped. The information was
passed onto the LCB’s Tobacco Tax Unit. A search warrant was served
resulting in the seizure of 22,770 packs of contraband cigarettes. The
unpaid state cigarette tax was $32,447.25.
On January 28, 2004, Trooper Steve Reeves of the Ellensburg office
arrested a driver for speeding, driving with a suspended license and
marijuana possession. Based on the Officer’s reports, which included
possible contraband cigarettes, tobacco tax enforcement agents were able
to obtain a search warrant. This successful interdiction by Trooper
Reeves resulted in the seizure of 41,700 packs of untaxed cigarettes
with a tax value of $59,422.50. Also seized were a 1994 GMC pickup and
a 2003 Container Trailer.
The interdiction
of untaxed cigarettes by Washington State Troopers through their normal
course of duty is greatly appreciated by the Liquor Control Board
Tobacco Tax Unit.
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Note to Editor: Members of the public who have concerns or complaints
regarding sales of untaxed cigarettes can contact the Liquor Control
Board’s toll free tip line at 1-888-838-3956.
For more information contact Public Information Officer Tricia Currier at (360) 664-1784 or page at (360) 290-3683.
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