LONOKE COUNTY, Ark. — On April 10, agents with Arkansas Tobacco Control and the Central Arkansas Drug Task Force seized 27,940 packs of illegal cigarettes during a traffic stop.
According to reports, officials located the illegal cigarettes after stopping a semi-truck and trailer on I-40 near Lonoke.
A search of the vehicle revealed 27,940 packs of untaxed contraband cigarettes valued at more than $243,000 along with $4,142 in cash.
The driver, 35-year-old Emile Bangoura of Atlanta, Georgia, was arrested and charged with possession of untaxed tobacco.
This marked Tobacco Control’s second-largest seizure in history
“Untaxed illegal cigarette smuggling has significant financial effects on law-abiding business,” said Trent Minner, who leads 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.”
