LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Oct. 12, Arkansas State Police (ASP) and Arkansas Tobacco Control agents seized a record-breaking amount of illegal cigarettes.
32,671 packs of untaxed cigarettes valued at more than $311,000 were confiscated after a traffic stop led to a search of a cargo van on Interstate 40 near Carlisle revealed the contraband.
The cargo van was seized along with the cigarettes.
Scott Hardin is the spokesperson for the Department of Finance Administration, which includes Tobacco Control. The unit was called to the scene when ASP discovered the contraband.
"Initially, it looked like he had some household items, some furniture," Hardin said. "Then [a trooper] discovered... what turned out to be 32,000 packs of cigarettes."
Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar said the drug bust could be connected to terrorism.
"Contraband cigarettes are one of the leading sources of funding for terrorism in the United States," Hagar said. "We will continue to work with all our partners at Tobacco Control Enforcement to expose and dismantle organizations behind illegal cigarette operations."
Hardin agreed and said he's seen the money from the illegal contraband go to overseas groups.
"We've seen cases in the past," Hardin said. "Several years ago... illegal tobacco products were used to send money overseas to groups that didn't have America's best interest in mind."
Taxed boxes get a stamp on them, and if there isn't one, Hardin said the cigarettes aren't regulated. He also said illegal sales could also impact the state's economy.
"If someone comes in and undercuts that, the state's out tens of thousands of dollars," Hardin said. "Anytime you have an illegal product that is, with this, probably driven by cash."
The driver of the vehicle was arrested and identified as 35-year-old Ali Ali Ashabi of El Paso, Texas. Ashabi was charged with possession of untaxed tobacco and unauthorized use of another person's property to facilitate certain crimes.
According to Hardin, the cargo van is in custody as officials continue investigating where the cigarettes came from and their intended use.
"This stop is a testament to the importance of strong relationships among law enforcement organizations," said Trent Minner, administrator of DFA's Regulatory Division. "Our partners at Arkansas State Police immediately contacted Tobacco Control, allowing an agent to arrive on the scene quickly. As a result, we made what we believe is the largest seizure of illegal and untaxed cigarettes in Arkansas, saving the state a significant amount of tax revenue."