Annapolis, MD (June 9, 2008) - Agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot confiscated more than 1,900 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested a suspected smuggler on Saturday, June 7, on Interstate 495 in Prince George's County.

"This agency will continue to stop tax cheats, including tobacco smugglers and all others who blatantly disregard Maryland tax laws," said Comptroller Franchot. "In this strained economy, we will work to collect all money owed to the state."

Enforcement agents stopped an Illinois registered 2008 Hyundai Sonata on Interstate 495 at exit 11 in Forestville seizing 1,931 packs of illegal cigarettes valued at $9,693. Agents arrested the vehicle's driver, Nguyen C. Pham, 29, from Jersey City, NJ.

Pham faces charges of transporting contraband cigarettes, a felony that carries a $50 per carton fine and/or two years imprisonment; and possession of contraband cigarettes, a misdemeanor carrying a $1000 fine and/or imprisonment not exceeding one year. The suspect was remanded to the Prince George's County Detention Center where he was being held pending a judicial review before a District Court Commissioner.

Agents seized the contraband cigarettes and the suspect's vehicle as evidence. Both are subject to forfeiture.

So far in fiscal year 2008, agents have charged 45 individuals for tobacco violations, seizing 51,937 packs of contraband cigarettes. The seized cigarettes have a retail value of $243,040.

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