ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 4, 2007) - Agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot seized over 5,000 packs of illegal cigarettes, valued at more than $20,000 from a veteran cigarette smuggler yesterday in Prince George's County.

"Cigarette smuggling hurts Maryland businesses and state coffers," said Comptroller Franchot. "My agents will continue to go after people who break the law."

Working with personnel from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms' Richmond office, agents stopped Juan Linn, 41, along I-495 near Pennsylvania Avenue in Forestville at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. Her 2000 Toyota Sienna van was found with 5,130 packs of cigarettes, all failing to have the Maryland tax stamp affixed. This marks Lin's second arrest for smuggling in Maryland. Agents arrested her in 2004 after discovering her transporting more than 12,000 packs of contraband cigarettes valued at over $50,000. As a result of Sunday's bust, she was remanded to the Prince George's County Detention Center on $10,000 bond. The vehicle was also seized.

Lin was charged with the illegal transportation of untaxed cigarettes, a felony that carries a two year jail sentence, and a potential $25,000 fine, or both. She has also been charged with unlawfully possessing untaxed cigarettes, a misdemeanor that carries a one year jail sentence, $1,000 fine, or both.

Thus far in fiscal year 2007, the Comptroller's Office has arrested 60 people for tobacco violations, seized 56,937 packs of cigarettes, valued at nearly $230,345.96 representing a tax loss to the state of $38,527.09.

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Contact: Christine Duray, 410-260-6346 (office), 443-336-0215 (cell)