A recent traffic stop ended with the seizure of nearly 28,000 packs of illegal cigarettes.
On Wednesday, agents with Arkansas Tobacco Control and the Central Arkansas Drug Task Force stopped a semi-truck and trailer on Interstate 40 near Lonoke. A search of the truck revealed contraband cigarettes valued at more than $243,000.00 along with $4,142.00 in cash. Officers arrested 35-year-old Emile Bangoura on suspicion of possession of untaxed tobacco.
Untaxed illegal cigarette smuggling has significant financial effects on law abiding business, said Trent Minner, leader of the Regulatory Division. We have more than 5,200 active tobacco permits in Arkansas. These are businesses that pay taxes as required and are monitored to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations. The Arkansas Regulatory Enforcement Division will continue to work with, educate and develop lasting relationships with all our law enforcement partners to combat illegal cigarette trafficking and protect Arkansas businesses.
According to the Department of Finance and Administration, it was the second largest seizure in tobacco controls history in the state with the largest taking place in October 2023 when 32,671 packs of untaxed cigarettes were seized by agents during a traffic stop near Carlisle.
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