FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Comptroller Agents Bust Cig Smuggler on I-95

Annapolis, Md. (February 23, 2009) - Agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot confiscated nearly 1,500 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested one man Saturday morning along Interstate 95 north in Forestville after observing a large quantity of cigarettes in the vehicle.

"The illegal smuggling of cigarettes will not be tolerated in Maryland," said Comptroller Franchot. "The state is trying to tackle an enormous deficit and we are doing all that we can to enforce Maryland's tax laws and collect every dollar the state is due. We will continue to crackdown on this illegal activity."

Comptroller's agents stopped a 1998 Cadillac Eldorado and seized 1,340 packs of contraband cigarettes valued at more than $6,700 on the morning of February 21, 2009. Officials arrested the vehicle's driver, Gregory Sutton, 57, of Brooklyn, NY. He was arrested and charged by Comptroller agents with transporting contraband cigarettes and possession of contraband cigarettes. The transporting charge is a felony, which carries a $50 per carton fine and/or two years imprisonment; and the possession offense is a misdemeanor, carrying a $1000 fine and/or imprisonment, not exceeding one year.

Sutton is being held at the Prince George's County Detention Center and must post a $3,000 bond before he will be released. The contraband cigarettes, the vehicle, and approximately $1,500 in cash were seized as evidence and are subject to state and federal forfeiture laws.

Since the start of fiscal year 2009 on July 1, Comptroller agents have arrested 79 individuals and seized 76,476 packs of contraband cigarettes valued at $352,635.80.

Contact: Caron Brace, 410-260-7438 (office), 410-212-9414 (cell)